Bank-led consortia are investigating the use of blockchain, or distributed ledger technology, to streamline, improve and cut costs in the trade finance space. As more than one platform may be used, interoperability will be essential.
Latest articles from Analysis & Opinion
Europe primed for wave of banking consolidation
July 4, 2018A decade after the crisis, consolidation might mean a healthier bank industry.
to read
What does UK banks' bounce back tell us about Brexit?
July 3, 2018The UK's entrants performed well in The Banker's 2018 Top 1000 World Banks ranking but mostly due to overseas rather than domestic earnings. So, asks Brian Caplen, does this add anything to the Brexit debate?
Using blockchain to revamp cross-border payments
July 2, 2018Is blockchain living up to its potential in revolutionising the cross-border payments space? Joy Macknight investigates how far the technology has come.
Where next for sustainable structured products?
July 2, 2018Demand for investments – including structured products – linked to environmental, social and governance criteria is one of finance’s virtuous cycles. But, as Danielle Myles reports, a more sophisticated market comes with more challenges.
Geopolitics creates unpredictable headwinds – again
July 2, 2018The global political situation is inherently unstable, which means the global markets can never be entirely predictable. But should investors simply tune out the noise? David Wigan reports.
Interest rates enter a new regime
July 2, 2018Since 10-year treasuries broke through the 3% barrier earlier in 2018, there has been disagreement over how interest rates will move next. Danielle Myles analyses what the yield curve signals for investors and corporates, and how they can protect their portfolios and balance sheets.
Making the most of a low-volatility environment
July 2, 2018Markets are now quick to adjust to disruptive news, creating a consistent low-volatility environment that makes life difficult for both buy-side and sell-side dealers. Simon Boughey looks at how firms are making the most of the opportunities that remain.
KYC – why not come together?
July 2, 2018With the cost of know-your-customer compliance increasing, sharing client information to a standard everyone trusts makes absolute sense. Katja Zschieschang, Deutsche Bank’s resident KYC expert, looks at the benefits of a collaborative approach to data collection to help reduce the costs of compliance.
Swift gpi chief ticks off the milestones
July 2, 2018Swift, together with 45 member banks, launched the global payments innovation (gpi) initiative in early 2016, to increase the speed, transparency and predictability of cross-border payments. More than 180 banks have signed up to the service, with over 60 banks now live. As of May 24, 25% of all Swift cross-border payments traffic is now being sent as gpi. Joy Macknight talks to Wim Raymaekers, Swift’s gpi programme director, about the latest developments.