Thus far, 2012 has witnessed a marked trend of corporates eschewing bank lending and turning instead to the debt capital markets. By acting quickly, the DCM team at SGCIB has put itself at the forefront of many of these deals.

Boutique investment bank StormHarbour was created in 2009 with the intention of reviving a more tailored and less conflicted approach to serving clients. The idea is attracting a growing number of heavy hitters.

The exposure of Cypriot banks to the Greek economy has prompted rating downgrades for the country. But with some of the island's banks boasting high liquidity and interest from foreign investors, the long-term prospects look brighter.

Higher volumes than before the financial crisis and a growing number of heavyweight currencies are attracting investment banks, but the global foreign exchange pie may not be large enough for everyone to have a slice.

After a harrowing 2011 for Europe's crisis-hit sovereign states – and the banks doing business within them – the European Central Bank's long-term refinancing operation has given the markets a much needed boost and offers hope for 2012. However, some still claim that it is little more than a sticking plaster for Europe's troubles.

Europe’s corporate bond market started 2012 at a ferocious pace as investors flocked to what they increasingly perceive as a safe haven. While issuance may slow later in the year, few believe the market is a bubble waiting to burst, and there is a widespread feeling that its heyday will last a good while yet.