LATEST ARTICLES FROM GERALDINE LAMBE
Citi's rates build-out pays off
Citi's head of G-10 rates, risk treasury and finance, Andrew Morton, has pulled the previously disjointed business together since his appointment in 2008, and this cohesive approach has been rewarded with a clutch of happy clients and strong positionings in the rates league tables.
ECB's game-changer breathes new life into DCM
Few could have predicted the start that debt capital markets have made to 2012, with the European Central Bank's long-term refinancing operation breathing new life into the sector, providing a bonanza for sovereigns, corporates and high yield alike. However, the continuing problems within the eurozone still cast a shadow over the markets.
Fatca details get muted response
The US's Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or Fatca, was widely criticised when it was enacted by Congress in 2010. Newly proposed regulations have brought with them some concessions, as well as an intent among some European countries to share this approach, meaning that the act is here to stay.
Using a sledgehammer to crack a nut
In response to a request from the European Commission, a recent consultation paper from the European pensions body looks at ways the proposed Solvency II directive for insurers could be applied to occupational pensions. Many in the industry see far more problems than solutions in its application
Equity businesses prepare for a bloody 2012
With a miserable reporting session at the start of 2012, equity bankers are expected to bear the brunt of it with widespread bloodletting predicted in the business. However, some senior figures argue that consolidation in the equity sector is long overdue, with overcrowding pushing down margins to unsustainable levels.
Eurozone problems weigh heavily on equity capital markets
As the eurozone crisis rattles equity capital markets, equity bankers and investors are being forced to anticipate the actions of politicians. But with a host of deals carried over from the fourth quarter of 2011, there may still be scope for an increase in activity in 2012.
Banks face big adjustments on capital and liquidity
The combined and cumulative effects of new regulations and a hostile market environment means banks are fighting to build both capital and liquidity. Many questions remain about banks' ability to do both, and the effects of doing either on economic growth.
Banks nervously await outlook of new financial landscape
The convergence of regulatory, government and economic forces on the financial sector is unprecedented. If much of the detail has yet to be determined and substantive differences between national authorities still exist, one thing that is certain is that the financial services industry will look very different in a few years' time.
The extending reach of the renminbi
Despite the volatility in the global economy, the international value of the renminbi is increasing. But with China's slowing economy and the uncertainty surrounding how much further the country will go in liberalising its currency, how straightforward is the road ahead?
Mitsubishi UFJ-Morgan Stanley joint venture takes shape
Morgan Stanley's joint venture in Japan with Mitsubishi UFJ Group has been criticised by competitors as a concession to MUFG for its huge investment in the US bank at the height of the financial crisis. However, Jonathan Kindred, CEO of MSMS, one of the companies formed by the joint venture, is adamant that the long-term benefits of the move will prove the critics wrong.
BAML CIB co-head takes comfort in deal dominance
Revenues may be down but market share is up for Bank of America Merrill Lynch's corporate and investment banking division. This is giving its global co-head, Christian Meissner, cause for optimism going into 2012, despite the tough markets in Europe and Asia.
2011: goodbye and good riddance?
From sovereign debt woes to political brinkmanship and the swathe of new regulations hitting banks, the events of 2011 have reverberated across markets and around the world. There have been a few bright spots, not least the growing confidence of local currency debt markets, but overall it has been a gloomy year. Most believe the fate of 2012 lies in the hands of European policy-makers.
Is Nomura running out of time?
With its acquisition of Lehman Brothers' non-US operations, Nomura made an audacious bid to join the global investment banking elite. Little did it know that its bold move would coincide with the worst economic and financial environment for the best part of a century. However, its senior management believe that if they hold their nerve, the gamble can still reap the rewards they originally expected.
EU divided over scope of derivatives regulation
The European Market Infrastructure Regulation is designed to bring some much-needed stability to the over-the-counter derivatives market, but disagreements about exactly what it is should cover are slowing its progress. It is looking increasingly unlikely that the EU will not meet the G-20 deadline.
Goodbye to FX safe havens
Global currency markets have become increasingly volatile as European policy-makers struggle to resolve the sovereign debt crisis and emerging economies try to limit currency rises at the same time as taming inflation. Traditional safe haven countries have been prompted to take historic action in a bid to stem currency appreciation and support exports. But are there any safe havens any more?