Latest articles from Western Europe

Finansbank

Turkish banks draw battle lines in fight for customer market share

May 4, 2011

Many Turkish banks enjoyed record results in 2010, with high return on equity, efficient operations, strong capital ratios and falling inflation. However, changing domestic economic conditions will drive new strategies in 2011 and beyond.

Lisbon Bank

Bailout forces Portuguese banks to shape up in time for a 2012 comeback

May 4, 2011

Shut out of the wholesale markets, Portugal's banks are reducing their loan-to-deposit ratios and restructuring their balance sheets. If all goes well they could be back in the markets as early as next year. 

Banco de Fomento Angola

Angolan business offers a lifeline for Portugal's banks

May 4, 2011

Portuguese banks have found that investment in its former colony Angola has provided growth at a time when its own domestic market is facing recession. 

Commerzbank's bold move is a blueprint for other German banks

March 23, 2011

Commerzbank’s bold liability management exercise – the first to address Basel III at both ends of the capital structure – shows that banks need not wait for national and European regulators to finalise minimum capital requirements. It also serves as a possible blueprint for Germany’s other banks to strengthen their capital base.

Bank of Valletta

Malta extends its banking reach

March 23, 2011

Malta's domestic banking sector is small and follows traditional principles, yet a steadily growing international banking presence is capitalising on interesting new opportunities such as those presented by the island’s emerging fund management and insurance industries.

Michael Bonello, governor of the Central Bank of Malta

Malta's central bank plans for healthy future

March 22, 2011

Michael Bonello, the governor of the Central Bank of Malta, outlines his country’s key economic strengths, especially in the financial sector, and explains what is being done to remedy any weaknesses.

Tonio Fenech

Finance minister: Malta will maintain its momentum

March 22, 2011

Malta's finance minister, Tonio Fenech, explains how the country has expanded its economy beyond its banking sector as part of the country's Vision 2015 plan.

Malta's regulatory regime is firm but flexible

March 22, 2011

Malta has a robust regulatory framework, but it is also a place where things can get done, with the MFSA, the single regulator, willing to advise firms so that their projects comply with regulations.

Lawrence Gonzi, prime minister, Malta

Maltese prime minister on the benefits of the euro

March 22, 2011

Malta has done well out of EU and eurozone membership, with clear benefits accruing not only to the financial services sector, but also to tourism and other sectors, as its prime minister, Lawrence Gonzi, explains.

Malta report

Malta: a small island making a big impact

March 22, 2011

International comparison indices rate Malta’s financial sector highly, proof that the banks, funds, fund managers, insurance companies and other firms that have set up business in the EU’s smallest country have made a good choice. 

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