Mounting regulatory requirements have dramatically changed the banking landscape in the past five years. Banks have spent a large part of that period increasing and improving the quality of their capital bases to meet the demands of politicians and regulators adamant that taxpayers should not have to bail out banks in future.
For many investment banks, the focus has shifted to how rule changes will affect their business lines and the products they can offer. And it is not only regulations directed at banks that are having an impact, but also those meant for their clients. “Regulation is at the forefront of everything,” says Eric Viet, head of financial institution advisory in Société Générale’s cross-asset solutions division.
