UniCredit GM looks to build a bank for the future

Roberto Nicastro, UniCredit Group’s general manager, explains how Italy’s largest bank is tackling conflicting regulatory pressures, low interest rates and changing customer habits to become a bank for the future.

Asset managers look to Asia as West still stalls

As Western markets continue to falter, more and more asset managers are looking to Asia for growth opportunities. This is where Hong Kong – offering a Western business culture within the heart of China – has a significant advantage.

New financial centres find asset management biggest challenge

Despite continued economic uncertainty in developed markets, emerging-market financial centres are growing in strength, with expanding foreign exchange markets and inward portfolio investment. However, when it comes to asset management, it could take generations for even the largest ascendant financial centres to catch up with their more established rivals. Writer Charles Piggott

Arab banks shrug off global pressures

A banker dealing with a phone enquiry at National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia, which tops The Banker's Arab banks ranking this year.

Taiwanese banks hold steady

Although challenged by adverse economic conditions and increasing competition in the market, on the whole Taiwan's banks managed to record modest profit growth during 2008. Writer Charles Piggott

China's banks hit new heights: Top 50 Chinese Banks

Supported by a series of government measures, China's banks recorded a surge in growth in 2008 despite the global credit crisis. Writer Charles Piggott

Top 1000 world banks 2009

Despite huge losses, Western banks have retained their dominance of the rankings due to massive capital raising. But what will the future hold? Geraldine Lambe reports Research by Valentina Lorenzon, Cecile Sourbes and Charles Piggott

Latam rides high as debt remains low

Lower debt levels and comparatively low rates of bad loans mean that even the poorer Latin American countries are faring better than their developed counterparts when it comes to exposure to the financial crisis. Writer Charles Piggott.

Financial Health: Risers and fallers

The financial crisis has rocked the globe and fundamentally changed the way we assess what makes a country successful.The Banker’s latest rankings, which focus on low leverage, reveal some surprising results. Charles Piggott reports

On the flip side

While the the world’s major financial centres are in disarray, smaller European markets are reaping the benefits. Writer Charles Piggott.

The elusive 1000% return

The Banker’s top 10 bright ideas for potential limitless returns on investment. Report by Charles Piggott.