Already home to many of the main European regulatory bodies, Frankfurt's financial centre offers the experience and stability to play a key role in helping Europe shape the future of its financial sector, says Dr Lutz Raettig.
Western Europe
Latest articles from Western Europe
Greek rescue: The big issue
August 30, 2010Controversy still surrounds the decision of the International Monetary Fund to bail out Greece at a rate of 3200% in excess of its quota. Writer Jane Monahan
George Papaconstantinou
August 30, 2010George Papaconstantinou, Greek finance minister
Things look very different for Greece compared to a year ago. A new government intent on change, and the help of the IMF, has brought the country back from the brink of bankruptcy - and served as a wake-up call for the rest of Europe in the process
World
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Italy: Survival or siesta?
August 30, 2010Italy exemplifies everything that is wrong with Europe - poor government finances, stultifying bureaucracy and rising labour costs. Can it sort itself out? Silvia Pavoni, an Italian national who lives in the UK, takes a long, hard look.
World
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/ Spain
Cajas shrug off stress test failure
August 30, 2010Despite five of Spain's savings banks featuring among the seven institutions to fail the EU stress tests, the surprising results can be seen as a positive turning point in the cajas' 200-year history, with reform, consolidation and new access to foreign capital likely to strengthen their vaults. Writer Jules Stewart
Andorra opens up
July 28, 2010Under pressure from the international community, Andorra is trying to increase the transparency of its banking sector, while deficit-driven tax reforms could erode its tax haven status. Writer Rodrigo Amaral
Deutsche Bank's corporate finance business comes of age
July 28, 2010Deutsche Bank's co-head of global client coverage and chairman of the corporate finance executive committee explains how the bank's performance during the crisis has opened new doors for it both in Europe and the crucial US market. Writer Geraldine Lambe
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/ UK
UK offshore centres fight 'tax haven' label
July 28, 2010The UK's offshore financial centres do not deny that they have accommodating tax regimes, but they baulk at the label 'tax haven' and all the negative connotations that tag brings. Writer Charlie Corbett
Landesbanken under pressure to restructure
July 6, 2010The German Landesbanken were hit hard by the financial crisis, and bailouts at both state and federal level have allowed the national government and the EU to increase the pressure for both restructuring and reform. Writer Michael Marray
Nimble KfW tests euro demand
July 6, 2010In the face of heightened debt market volatility in Europe and serious concerns over the long-term future of the euro, German development agency KfW found a window of opportunity to raise €5bn in a three-year deal. Writer Charlie Corbett