The eurozone crisis has led to a surge in corporate bond issuance among European companies as they look to diversify from bank funding. But the relationship between banks and corporate clients has scarcely weakened. In some ways, it might even have strengthened.

SMEs are often cited as the backbone of any given developed economy. However, in Europe in particular, a lack of financing from banks is stunting the growth of these businesses. Alternative lending models are rising in prominence, and some banks are looking to up their game in this sector, but is this too little, too late?

The Deals of the Year winners from Europe.

UK utilities operator National Grid made a highly successful debut in the hybrid market to finance large investment needs without jeopardising its credit ratings.

Growing risk appetite and low interest rates have ushered in a revival of the market for corporate hybrid bonds in Europe since the start of 2013, with Citi's new products team participating in many of the recent issues.

UBS undertook one of the more radical post-crisis changes of strategy in 2012, and its head of European advisory, James Hartop, explains how the new structure enables his team to move beyond pure merger and acquisition work.

Personalised and location-based marketing tactics could be a catalyst for higher usage of mobile payments and could, in turn, unlock new business approaches.