The question of how to stay ahead when it comes to trading in foreign exchange boils down to one question: how deep are your pockets? The revolution in e-commerce - combined with an increasingly demanding client base and the rigours of potential new regulation - means that banks will have to work harder than ever before to maintain market share. Writer Charlie Corbett
Bahrain has had to deal with its fair share of problems on the back of the global economic downturn, but a sound regulatory and supervisory structure and deft handling of the crisis by the central bank has ensured it will emerge as a stronger, more confident nation as a result. Writer Charlie Corbett
With high volumes, strong growth and resilience in the face of severe economic headwinds, the global remittance market is gaining new ground. But banks that wish to capitalise on this growth will have to think hard about what strategy they adopt. Charlie Corbett reports.
The Banker surveyed some of the leading lights in the world of global transaction services to get a sense of how 2010 is likely to pan out. The results suggest a difficult year for transaction bankers, with as many challenges as opportunities. Writer Charlie Corbett
The projected stream of initial public offerings in 2010, many on the back of private equity exits, may encounter a frosty market. Sceptical investors will demand aggressive valuations and some question whether the market is yet ready, or indeed has the capacity, for a recovery in IPO issuance. Writer Charlie Corbett
Salaheddine Mezouar, Minister of Economy and Finance for MoroccoMorocco's minister of economy and finance spoke to The Banker about fiscal reform, his plans to invest in the country's infrastructure to further diversify its economy and his priorities for 2010. Writer Charlie Corbett
As the financial storm of the past few years begins to calm, how are banks coping with the new competitive landscape and what do they need to do to stay ahead of their rivals? And more to the point, can they afford to invest in the innovation required to do so? The Banker spoke to Dan Marovitz, head of product management for global transaction banking at Deutsche Bank. Writer Charlie Corbett
The Banker's Top 100 African Banks ranking shows Nigerian banks chipping away at the dominance of their South African counterparts, a situation that will look very different once the recent bailouts in the west African country are taken into account. Writer Charlie Corbett
Charlotte Conlan, head of leveraged finance at BNP ParibasThe secretive nature and narrow investor base of the European leveraged loan market meant it was hit harder and is taking longer to recover from the downturn than its counterpart in the US. There is a general consensus that Europe needs to open up its markets, improve transparency and introduce public ratings. Writer Charlie Corbett
The Lebanese economy's remarkable ability to withstand both political strife at home and financial crises overseas received universal acclaim. Achieving political consensus and reforming the country's archaic public finances will be the next challenge. Charlie Corbett reports from Beirut.