If 'algorithms, bail-ins and cajas' were the ABC of banking in 2012, what will be the new buzzwords? Philip Alexander looks at the phrases that defined 12 months of pain, and suggests some words to watch in 2013.
Merchant traders adapt to new financial landscape
December 3, 2012Despite well-publicised retrenchment in commodities finance by some European banks, merchant trading companies are still able to find sources of funding expand their business lines.
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ECB relieves pressure on commodities finance
December 3, 2012The worst of the liquidity squeeze on eurozone banks has eased conditions for commodities finance during 2012, but the business still faces significant challenges.
The struggle to find the right Islamic banking model
November 7, 2012The steady growth of sharia-compliant assets suggests banks believe in the future of the sector, but the dismantling of the largest cross-border Islamic window raises questions about whether global banking groups can make a success of the business.
Europe’s new lending landscape
November 6, 2012
Many banks in the eurozone cut their lending activity heavily in 2011, and many non-European banks also scaled back their exposure. But some countries with surplus liquidity are stepping into the breach.
BNP Paribas fixed-income business triumphs over euro adversity
November 1, 2012The eurozone is now on the mend, according to BNP Paribas’ Frederic Janbon, but the new regulatory landscape will continue to change the debt business, bringing opportunities as well as challenges.
Gref's global vision: how Sberbank is looking beyond Russia
November 1, 2012The acquisition of an investment bank and subsidiaries across emerging Europe are transforming Sberbank from Russia's retail savings bank of choice into a genuine international player, just as Western competitors are retreating. But its management team is treading carefully.
Bull market waiting to turn in debt capital markets
November 1, 2012Demand for credit has been very strong in the US this year, opening opportunities for high-yield, European and emerging market issuers. But there are risks on the horizon at home and abroad.
How many supervisors does it take to save the eurozone?
October 29, 2012Plans for a European banking union may address a perceived missing pillar of monetary union, but they are a very long-term project that threaten to cut across other measures to stabilise the system.
Emerging banks get best results abroad
October 5, 2012
Subsidiaries in emerging markets may provide western European banks with some respite from troubles at home, but emerging market parents appear to get better results on their travels.