Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect: a mutually beneficial arrangement

The Shanghai-Hong Kong Stock Connect will foster stock trading and capital flows between Hong Kong and mainland China, with numerous potential benefits for both sides. But competitors in the Asia-Pacific region are concerned it might eat into their market share. 

Kuwait looks to build on firm foundations

Steadily rising oil prices, a stable economy and the implementation of the National Development Plan are causing ripples of optimism in Kuwait, as the country looks to build on the slow progress it has been making in recent years.

Kuwait's CBG pushes optimistically ahead

With the country's well-capitalised banking sector set to transition smoothly to Basel III standards and a positive macroeconomic outlook, central bank governor Mohammad Al-Hashel is able to concentrate on Kuwait's longer term prospects. He tells The Banker how he expects more growth in the Islamic banking sector and an increase in government spending, both of which will prove beneficial to the country's economy.

Jordan's banks defy regional unrest

Political instability in the Middle East has taken a toll on Jordan’s economy, but those on the inside maintain that the country remains politically and economically stable, and open for business. 

Fresh challenges for Ireland's banks

As Ireland waves farewell to the programme of financial support that has shored up the country’s economy since the crisis, spectres still loom on the horizon for Ireland’s banking sector in the shape of credit reviews and stress-tests.

New broom seeks to boost Bucharest bourse

The ousted chief of Warsaw Stock Exchange, Ludwik Sobolewski, has come in from the cold in his new role as head of the rival Bucharest bourse and is already making his presence felt. 

Moscow Exchange reaps harmony dividends

The merger of the Micex and RTS groups to form the Moscow Exchange has proven harmonious and, so far, successful, with plenty of big names attracted to the bourse. Indeed, as Moscow looks to prove its credentials as an international finance hub, the exchange appears to be setting the standards for the rest of the city's financial institutions to follow.