Latest articles from Western Europe

TEASER-Switzerland loosens grip on the wealth management sector

Switzerland loosens grip on the wealth management sector

August 1, 2012

A stagnant home market and declining prospects in western Europe have encouraged Swiss wealth managers to expand in emerging markets. But the strategy for success is not always straightforward, and now a number of regional players have come to the fore looking to challenge Swiss dominance in this field.

GET-CD

New risk regime drives credit derivatives business

August 1, 2012

Blamed for magnifying the effects of the financial crisis, credit derivatives may be given a boost by the post-crisis regulatory changes.

TEASER-how do you solve a problem

How do you solve a problem like Libor?

August 1, 2012

Libor has come under huge scrutiny since Barclays was fined for manipulating it. While few bankers believe it can be replaced, even its staunchest supporters say it needs to be reformed. But it is not obvious how. 

France takes a tax gamble on the markets

July 19, 2012

The Financial Transaction Tax introduced by France in August is intended to deter speculative investor behaviour, but the execution looks likely to miss the target.

Rebuilding Egypt

Rebuilding Egypt: how the country's banks have fared since the Arab Spring

July 2, 2012

Egypt's tumultuous political landscape of the past 18 months has, predictably, had an impact on it banks. However, the sector has shown impressive resilience since the Arab Spring uprisings, focusing on SME lending and commercial activities with some degree of success. But with foreign investors staying away and further political upheaval still a possibility, the country's rebuilding process still has some way to go.

TEASER-Germanys hidden lending shortfall

Germany’s hidden lending shortfall

July 2, 2012

The availability of bank credit for small and medium-sized enterprises is often seen as a relative strength of the German economy, but borrowers themselves seem to harbour anxieties about their banks.

Denmarks banks hope for slower pace to change

Denmark's banks hope for slower pace to change

July 2, 2012

The Danish banking sector is adapting to new requirements that mean it must hold more capital and conform to yet more rules. While few in the industry doubt that the system must be more robust, concerns are increasingly being voiced that the country’s banks are having to adjust to more stringent regulations than their EU counterparts, and at a faster pace. 

Solvency II prompts rethink on structuring investments

July 2, 2012

There is still no clarity about the final shape of Solvency II regulations for insurers, but investment banks are already considering ways to help insurance clients earn the returns they need without excessive capital charges.

Christophe MiannéChristophe Mianné deputy of Société Générale’s corporate and investment banking operation

Markets veteran drives French evolution

July 2, 2012

Christophe Mianné, the new deputy of Société Générale’s corporate and investment banking operation, is targeting a change in mindset as much as a change in structure.

Investors look to capitalise on equity market uncertainty

July 2, 2012

As equity markets look set to stagnate for some time, investors want to know not just how to hedge volatility, but how to profit from it.

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