Investment banking is in an extreme state of flux, and BNP Paribas is undergoing a deep reorganisation of its global markets division. Michael Watt talks to its head of global markets about mass production, cost pressures and the future of the industry. 

German bank KfW's transparency and impact-measurement programme when it comes to green bonds have set it apart in the euro, US dollar and Australian dollar markets. Given this success, it extended its remit to the quieter sterling market in July, with impressive results.

In 2014, the Ebola crisis and a collapse in iron ore prices shattered the steady economic improvements made by Sierra Leone in the years since its civil war ended. Its minister of foreign affairs, Dr Samura Kamara, describes how the country is recovering from these blows and is looking to a more positive future.

The global head of public sector and sustainable financing at HSBC, Ulrik Ross, has helped to oversee the recently launched appendix to the Green Bonds Principles. He speaks to Michael Watt about the impact of this development and the health of the GSS bonds market in general.

Under Martin Wheatley, the UK's Financial Conduct Authority has earned a reputation as a strict taskmaster, ready to deal out significant fines for misbehaviour in the City of London. But with Mr Wheatley departing, what changes should be on the menu for the regulator?

Investment into Africa has usually been the preserve of developed world firms seeking extra yield for their portfolios. However, in the past few years more and more money has been poured into African projects by local investors as African wealth increases. 

After a tough few years during and after the financial crisis, the structured products market has pulled itself back together and is in reasonably good shape. However, dealers say new capital rules from the FSB could kill off the business altogether, just as it has begun a shift towards more automation and greater execution efficiency.  

Regulators have looked to central clearing as a solution for many ills in the derivatives market, but banks are now saying that they may be unable to offer a clearing house connection to clients because of costs imposed by another new regulatory measure: the leverage ratio.