The Banker

Prospects for nuclear financing

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Silvia Pavoni reports on the potential and pitfalls of private finance for the UK�s new nuclear power station building programme.

Battered but still buoyant

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Despite the subprime crisis affecting many areas of Brazil�s capital markets, commodity prices continue to boom, foreign investment remains strong and an investment grade rating is imminent, says Brian Caplen.

Pressure for a knee-jerk reaction is mounting

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Banks are discovering that there will be a regulatory price to pay for the support of governments and central banks � and it could be a costly one. Karina Robinson investigates.

THE CHINA GROWTH PUZZLE

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

China has been driving global growth but now faces mounting domestic problems and a deteriorating global economy. Can China�s economic miracle stay the course? Geraldine Lambe reports.

A steady hand in a time of crisis

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

CEO of Halyk Bank and former governor of Kazakhstan�s central bank, Grigori Marchenko tells Karina Robinson why the Federal Reserve got it wrong.

Wave of distress stirs rescue bids

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Structured investment vehicles were among the most prominent victims of the credit crunch, creating an unprecedented set of challenges for debt restructuring. Philip Alexander looks at how the market is managing the process.

The necessity of continuity

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The vulnerability of time-critical trading operations has been highlighted by recent infrastructure failures in the London and Tokyo stock exchanges. Michelle Price examines how key players are battling to ensure their business runs smoothly in unusual circumstances.

Can Unakitan keep his cool in yet more turmoil?

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Kemal Unakitan preserved Turkey�s public finances in 2007, despite turbulence in domestic politics and international markets. He wants to maintain momentum in 2008, he tells Philip Alexander.

Volatility puts counterparty exposure under the spotlight

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The dramatic market downturn has led to worries about counterparty credit risk. In the over-the-counter credit derivatives market, where bilateral deals are struck directly between trade counterparts, credit risk quality is paramount. Natasha de Ter�n reports on how the market is coping.

Sepa takes first tentative steps

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Sepa, the European Commission�s plan to create a domestic environment for euro payments, has launched. However, as Frances Maguire reports, the process has just begun on what will be a very long journey.

Easy money as the good times roll

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

There seems to be no end in sight to the commodities boom, as prices rise and demand from investors seeking diversification and returns grows. Silvia Pavoni reports on developments in some of the non-oil sub-sectors that are attracting attention.

Funds waiting for willing issuers

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Behind the alarming headlines about bank bail-outs in the state sector, leading players in Germany�s capital markets are quietly making headway, reports Philip Alexander.

Opportunity knocks

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

A stable economy and growing middle class is attracting international banks to Zambia. However, the greatest reward will come to whoever taps into the country�s 10 million unbanked inhabitants. Gill Baker reports.

No crisis from credit crunch

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Czech banks� strategy is protecting them from direct effects of the US subprime crisis, although they could be affected indirectly. Jan Cienski reports from Prague.

Lenders get burned

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The consumer credit market has been growing but a slowing economy and lax processes have taken their toll on some players, says Kala Rao.

The nature of innovation

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

As the Islamic finance sector becomes more competitive, innovation will be a key differentiator for attracting customers, writes Joe DiVanna.

Spain hopes for a soft landing

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Spanish banks are tightening up their strategies in preparation for a global slowdown says Jules Stewart.