Latest articles from Banking strategies

London Stock Exchange

Escaping equities: exchange consolidation and new asset classes

May 3, 2011

The recent frenzy of exchange mergers is rooted in tough market conditions for US and European equity exchanges, forcing them to move away from their bread and butter operations to new asset classes.

VTB bank

VTB closes gap on Russia's number one spot

March 22, 2011

In the space of a few months, Russia’s second largest bank has engineered ground-breaking bond issues, a kick-start to the government’s privatisation programme, and two acquisitions.

When banks merge

Massive mergers: How IT can make or break M&A

March 21, 2011

Technology is not always a primary consideration in banking M&A activity. But the success, or failure, of subsequent IT integrations can make or break any deal.

Evolving backdrop raises questions over capital controls

March 21, 2011

Massive capital flows into Asia led many Asian countries to introduce capital controls and other mechanisms in a bid to stem flows and limit rising currency valuations. However, rising inflation and talk of interest rate rises have raised fears about slowing growth, leading to money flowing the other way. 

Bank of Moscow

Bank of Moscow debut succeeds in difficult environment

March 18, 2011

Bank of Moscow's debut Eurobond could hardly have been launched at a more difficult time. The political intrigue surrounding the mayor of Moscow was compounded by a potential change of ownership at the bank and a downgrading by Moody's.

Philippe Chambadal

Post-trade processing: Challenges and trends

March 18, 2011

Philippe Chambadal, CEO of middle- and back-office processing technology provider SmartStream, discusses the post-trade landscape and the regulatory and operational challenges facing market participants.

Kuwait's Mina al-Ahmadi refinery

Kuwait's energy sector faces political stalemate

March 17, 2011

Oil companies are looking to Kuwait's government for signs that the country's major energy projects are to get under way, but legislative deadlock is hampering their future.

RBS team of the month

E.ON sets new precedent for German buybacks

March 17, 2011

E.ON's recent liability management exercise shows that German companies can indeed successfully tender for outstanding debt, and may encourage others to follow. 

Foreign exchange report

Asia fails to balance currency and inflationary pressures

March 15, 2011

Asian policy-makers have been trying to balance currency management with controlling inflation. Rising inflation and rising currencies suggest policy makers have failed to get the balance right.

Mohammad Al-Jasser, central bank governor, Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabian central bank seeks to meet sukuk challenge

March 15, 2011

Mohammad Al-Jasser, governor of Saudi Arabia’s central bank, discusses the huge potential of sukuk issuance in an interview with Stephen Timewell in Riyadh.

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