In the wake of the global financial crisis, Portugal's leading banks are focusing on improving relations with both corporate clients and individuals, as well as expanding overseas, as a means to boost their ailing profit margins. Writer Peter Wise
Western Europe
Latest articles from Portugal
Easy credit blows away
October 6, 2008Portugal’s businesses have had to adjust to the financial climate change as the credit crunch makes itself felt, leaving simple funding a thing of the past. Writer Peter Wise.
An uphill climb for credit in Portugal
October 6, 2008Global jitters and the escalating cost of financing have forced Portuguese banks to drastically alter their credit model. Writer Peter Wise.
Record rights issue in turbulent times
July 1, 2008Millennium BCP exceeded expectations with a $1.3bn rights issue in April despite a cooling market and tough regulation, writes Edward Russell-Walling.
Covered bonds’ appeal grows
June 2, 2008A legal framework incorporating the best international practices of investor protection should pave the way for the success of Portuguese covered bonds.
Portugal: the ones to watch
May 5, 2008Peter Wise reports on the Portuguese firms that are making a name for themselves on the international stage.
Shoring up the defences
May 5, 2008Just as the dust was settling on the chaotic attempted takeover of Banco BPI by Millennium BCP, the global credit crunch came along. Peter Wise reports on a tumultuous 18 months for Portugal’s banking sector.
Using its special advantage
April 7, 2008Peter Wise and Brian Caplen talk to chief executive Ricardo Espírito Santo Salgado about Banco Espírito Santo’s plans to expand further its well-established banking network in Portuguese-speaking countries.
Banking sector holds strong amid BCP storm
October 1, 2007The media coverage given to the tussle at the top of Millennium BCP risks deflecting attention away from the positive evolution of Portuguese banking, says Peter Wise .
Greater EU presence on the world stage
July 2, 2007As Portugal takes over the EU presidency, the country’s president, Professor Aníbal Cavaco Silva, stresses the need, among other things, for Europe to assert itself as an effective and influential global performer.