Latest articles from Paul Wallace

Central banks drive Africas recovery

Central banks drive Africa's recovery

October 1, 2013

Africa’s underdeveloped economies and financial sectors have proved a barrier for central banks implementing monetary policy and prudential regulation. But recent years have seen significant progress, thanks in no small part to central banks’ growing independence from governments.

Sanusi delivers shock therapy to Nigerian banks

September 23, 2013

The Central Bank of Nigeria shocked the market in July when it hiked cash reserve requirements for public sector deposits, a move it says is already paying off.

Sim Tshabalala

Standard Bank’s new leaders look to Africa and continuity

September 2, 2013

Sim Tshabalala, the recently appointed co-chief executive of South Africa’s Standard Bank, tells Paul Wallace about his plans to grow in Africa and connect the region to the world’s investors. He also explains why replacing Jacko Maree with joint CEOs was the right decision. 

African companies look abroad to list

Africa’s companies turn to foreign exchanges

September 2, 2013

In the past three years, international equity issuance from African companies has outpaced listings on the continent. This trend looks set to continue for the time being, thanks to the small size of most African exchanges and global investors’ increasing appetite for exposure to the continent.

The end of the emerging markets bull run

The end of the emerging markets bull run?

September 2, 2013

Emerging market bond investors, having enjoyed good returns for several years, were jolted in May when the chairman of the US Federal Reserve hinted that the days of quantitative easing were numbered, sparking a mass sell-off of their assets. Was it a temporary blip, or is the emerging market party finally over?

Miguel Azevedo

Citi eyes African investment banking riches

August 1, 2013

Africa might still account for only a small amount of investment banking activity globally, but the business it generates is only set to rise, according to Citi’s Miguel Azevedo. He talks to Paul Wallace about the continent’s exciting prospects and which sectors hold the most promise.

Ghanaian cedi

Ghanaian banks bet on the long term

August 1, 2013

Ghana’s banking industry is buoyant, benefiting handsomely from huge leaps in the country’s economic growth. But with fears the economy is overheating and competition for business fierce, what is the longer-term outlook for Ghana's banks?

Nizar Baraka firm but fair

Morocco's finance minister is firm but fair

August 1, 2013

Morocco’s government has managed to steer the country clear of political and economic turbulence. But, as its minister of finance and the economy explains, tough choices need to be taken to keep the country firmly on the path to growth.

Africas next banking hub

Mauritius: Africa’s next banking hub?

August 1, 2013

Mauritian banks have navigated the country’s economic slowdown well by growing their local loan books as well as their overseas operations. And the latter have been boosted by Africa’s economic buoyancy, which bankers say Mauritius should exploit to become a hub for investments into the continent.

Helen Wong, HSBC China

HSBC bets big on China

July 1, 2013

HSBC China has expanded rapidly since being established in 2007. Its chief executive and deputy chairman, Helen Wong, says it wants to retain its position as the largest foreign lender in China, and boost its ties with Bank of Communications, in which HSBC has a large stake. She insists, too, that the outlook for the country's economy is rosy. 

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