The role of the central bank has changed since the global financial crisis, says Brian Caplen, with many concerning themselves with social and economic inclusion issues.
The winners and losers of the mobile revolution
February 16, 2015Many predict that banks will be the losers in the race to corner the mobile payments market but, what they may lack in innovation, these established institutions make up for in experience and scale.
Germany shares responsibility for Greek failure
February 6, 2015With Greece and Germany at stand off since the former elected the anti-austerity Syriza party to power, Brian Caplen looks at the actions of the Germans and the European Commission that led to this situation.
ECB's quantitative easing is too little, too late
January 23, 2015The quantitative easing package announced by the European Central Bank is unlikely to be enough to solve the problems plaguing the eurozone.
Falling oil prices are a slippery slope
January 14, 2015While consumers are celebrating the recent fall in oil prices, the political and economic ramifications are threatening to destabilise a number of oil-producing economies.
Ring-fencing raises fresh challenges for UK banks
January 6, 2015Ring-fencing rules in the UK are creating yet more challenges for the country's cross-border banks, which are seeing their operations further fragmented by the new rules.
Kazakhstan's banks turn a page
January 5, 2015With consolidation under way, non-performing loans finally showing a downward trend and banks readying for the implementation of Basel III, Kazakhstan’s banking sector finally appears to be in recovery mode after a difficult period.
Top 100 Banks in Africa ranking: Africa continues to outperform
January 5, 2015The Banker's 2014 ranking of the top African banks demonstrates why returns in the continent are the highest in the world. Nigeria is realising its potential with average return on capital nearing 25%, while South African banks dominate the top positions in terms of Tier 1 capital.
Bob Diamond's African journey
January 1, 2015Former Barclays chief executive Bob Diamond wants to shake-up African banking and his investment vehicle Atlas Mara has already bought three banks. Brian Caplen assesses his efforts so far based on an interview at the recent FT Banking Summit in London.
A turning point for digital
December 16, 2014As the world's most affluent consumers make the switch to digital, the financial landscape is set to change. And banks that are not nimble enough to adapt are at risk of losing out.