Latest articles from Analysis & Opinion

Why blockchain can revolutionise trade finance

July 4, 2018

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.

Europe primed for wave of banking consolidation

July 4, 2018

A decade after the crisis, consolidation might mean a healthier bank industry. 

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Brian Caplen blog 2016

What does UK banks' bounce back tell us about Brexit?

July 3, 2018

The 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?

Jesse Lund teaser

Using blockchain to revamp cross-border payments

July 2, 2018

Is blockchain living up to its potential in revolutionising the cross-border payments space? Joy Macknight investigates how far the technology has come.

Isabelle Millat teaser

Where next for sustainable structured products?

July 2, 2018

Demand 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.

Trump flags teaser

Geopolitics creates unpredictable headwinds – again

July 2, 2018

The 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.

Jerome Sabah teaser

Interest rates enter a new regime

July 2, 2018

Since 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.

Delphine Limpalaer teaser

Making the most of a low-volatility environment

July 2, 2018

Markets 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 teaser

KYC – why not come together?

July 2, 2018

With 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.

Wim Raymaekers teaser

Swift gpi chief ticks off the milestones

July 2, 2018

Swift, 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. 

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