Latest articles from Edward Russell-Walling

Credit Suisse team of the month

Credit Suisse takes out extra insurance

August 1, 2016

Having been a pioneer in new forms of bank capital, Credit Suisse is aiming to be similarly innovative in insurance. US experience and the demands of the Swiss markets regulator made it match-fit for a recent $800m deal, writes Edward Russell-Walling. 

Zubyr Soomro teaser

Microfinance becomes big business in Pakistan

July 1, 2016

As a country with severe issues of financial exclusion, Pakistan is setting up an institutional framework supporting microfinance institutions. The latest innovation is the launch of the Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company. Edward Russell-Walling maps the sector's development.

Pakistan airlines teaser

Mixed results mire Pakistan's privatisation drive

July 1, 2016

After success stories in bank privatisation, Pakistan is now turning to ailing state firms in the airline, electricity and steel sectors. But large losses, competition and social unrest are making for a bumpy ride. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Pakistan economy teaser

Putting Pakistan’s economy on the map

July 1, 2016

Although Pakistan's economy has not met all government targets, its macro fundamentals are strong and the China Pakistan Economic Corridor is generating a lot of optimism. Is this enough to attract more foreign direct investment into the country? Edward Russell-Walling reports.

HBL teaser

Channelling growth in Pakistan's banking sector

July 1, 2016

Pakistan's big five banks have largely enjoyed a prosperous past 12 months. However, as Edward Russell-Walling discovers, lower interest rates, a lack of credit being extended to the private sector and the rise of Islamic finance are causing the banks to reassess their strategies. 

SGCIB team of the month teaser

SGCIB hails green deal for China’s London Taxi Company

July 1, 2016

When China’s Zhejiang Geely Holding Group, owner of LTC, decided to invest £250m in its UK manufacturing capacity for low-emission black cabs, a green bond issue seemed the ideal vehicle. The company chose Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking as joint global coordinator for a deal that has tapped into investors’ growing interest. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Lebanon limps onwards

Lebanese economy endures despite Syria civil war

June 1, 2016

Proximity to war-torn Syria is piling on the pressure for Lebanon, which faces plummeting tourist numbers and an influx of refugees. Yet the country's GDP continues to show modest growth, and offshore oil reserves wait to be tapped if the political will can be found. 

Riad Salame

Lebanon CBG continues to play starring role

June 1, 2016

The long-serving central bank governor of Lebanon, Riad Salamé, is a popular figure throughout the country, where he is widely seen as a steady hand amid an environment of political uncertainty. He talks to Edward Russell-Walling about his role in managing the Lebanese economy.

Banque Du Liban

Lebanon's banks battle on against economic headwinds

June 1, 2016

Lebanon's banks have for the past few years served as the pillars of the country's otherwise shaky economy. While they remain healthy, profits are being squeezed and lenders are anxiously awaiting a return to political and economic stability in the country.

JPMorgan team of the month

JPMorgan’s Argentina gamble pays off

June 1, 2016

Argentina has a less than stellar reputation when it comes to economic stability, but a significant ruling in a New York courtroom opened the way for a bond issue that defied expectations in both speed and yield. Offering a guiding hand on the deal was JPMorgan.

The Banker on Twitter