Latest articles from Western Europe

Iceland shows challenges of cross-border regulation

August 1, 2011

The passporting of financial services across the EU was a much-lauded part of the creation of a single European market. At least until the financial crisis.

Eurozone stress tests prove to be informative

August 1, 2011

Within days of the European Banking Authority's stress-test results being announced, the speed of events in the crisis-hit eurozone seemed to devalue them. However, the depth of information held within the tests is very revealing.

Left to right: Rupert Lewis, Frederic Zorzi and Edoardo Rava

OTE's €500m DCM issue sets Greek challenge for BNP Paribas

June 30, 2011

Issuing in Greece in the current climate is a brave move, but that did not stop telecoms company OTE entering the market earlier this year, thus posing quite a challenge for joint lead manager BNP Paribas.

Fund managers must serve their clients better

June 30, 2011

Fund managers should use technology and a leaner business model to provide investors with an honest, transparent and fair fee structure.

Santander Bank is thriving thanks to its overseas operations

Spain's big players cushioned, cajas struggle

June 30, 2011

Spain's biggest banks are shrugging off the full impact of the weak domestic economy and the collapse in the country's property market, but the country's cajas are not faring so well.

Shift in UK and Spanish banking landscapes

June 30, 2011

Despite some concerns over the impact of regulation on profit, the big banks in western Europe have mostly held their ground in this year's Top 1000 World Banks ranking. However, the aftermath of the financial crisis has seen changes in the UK and Spanish banking sectors.

Sanofi Aventis defies global turmoil to close $20bn takeover of Genzyme

June 1, 2011

The caution in the markets following the tsunami in Japan and unrest in north Africa provided an unpromising backdrop to French company Sanofi Aventis's $20bn takeover of US biotech firm Genzyme. However, the deal passed off as a resounding success.

Bank of Ireland

Ireland takes first small steps on the long road to recovery

June 1, 2011

The chaos that ensued when the unprecedented economic mess that Ireland had found itself in has calmed, and the country's new government is beginning the unenviable task of repairing its financial system.

Angola's central bank teaser

Portugese incumbents face competition for slice of growing Angolan wealth

June 1, 2011

The tenacious Portugese banks have prided themselves in their ability to stick with the Angolan economy in good and bad years, but they are now facing increasing competition from foreign banks, which stress their international network credentials.

London remains the financial capital of the world

June 1, 2011

A BNP Paribas Real Estate survey has found that 82% of respondents consider London to be the world's leading financial centre, helping to assuage fears that the financial crisis had weakened its position.

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