Many of South Korea's largest financial institutions are having to reconsider their investment banking strategies in the wake of changed capital markets regulation, increasing competition and narrowing profits, with many turning to the international market.
Doing its own thing: does Asia need the IMF?
October 1, 2013Lingering resentment over its role in the Asian crisis of the 1990s and complaints that the continent is under-represented in its senior positions mean that the IMF's popularity throughout Asia is low. But will this sense of injustice lead to the forming of an Asian Monetary Fund that will push the IMF to the sidelines in the region?
Current accounts take centre stage
September 2, 2013The way people bank is changing, with technological advances and changes in legislation pushing the current account into the spotlight. Jane Cooper sets the scene.
Shifts shake the transaction banking landscape
September 2, 2013The annual Sibos conference provides an ideal opportunity for transaction banking leaders to take stock of an industry that has over the past year seen notable geographic shifts, a greater focus on the client, and a reinvention of market infrastructures.
Client centricity moves up the agenda
September 2, 2013When it comes to transaction banking, the client has not always come first. However, this is changing, as banks start to consider their businesses from a client perspective. Jane Cooper examines how this growing awareness is translating into practice.
Transaction banks adjust to new demand from Asia
August 1, 2013A new generation of transaction banking client is evolving in Asia, as an increasing number of the region's multinationals target global growth and search for the right banking services to aid them.
Sri Lanka's banks prosper in peace
August 1, 2013Sri Lanka’s banks have been riding on a peace dividend since the end of a 26-year civil war in 2009. As they push ahead, supporting the country’s economic development goals, there are concerns – such as capital constraints and increased regulation – but the mood remains optimistic.
Banks race to capture Asia's next-generation wealth
July 1, 2013With Asia’s post-war business moguls now well into retirement, an unprecedented amount of wealth is set to pass to the next generation, representing an enormous business opportunity for banks.
Managing flows in an interconnected world
July 1, 2013Global trade flows are shifting, with new economies emerging as global forces and trade increasingly occurring intra-regionally. So, just how are payments systems facilitating this change?
Transaction banks adjust to a new normal
July 1, 2013The transaction banking landscape has undergone dramatic changes since the financial crisis, with low interest rates and increased regulation forcing banks to change their focus and the way in which they operate.