With Janet Yellen set to assume the position of head of the US Federal Reserve, her defining challenge will be tapering the Fed’s huge quantitative easing programme. Jane Monahan looks for clues as to her likely stance.
Latest articles from Analysis & Opinion
Europe needs a strict regulatory supervisor
October 28, 2013Without any legal authority over banks, the European Central Bank must act quickly if it is to maintain any influence in its role as a regional regulatory supervisor.
Too many banks in Africa
October 28, 2013Africa's central banks need to gradually raise capital requirements to reduce the number of banks that are too small to succeed.
The Fed is not the world’s central bank
October 28, 2013Emerging markets should focus on building their own resilience to rising US interest rates, rather than blaming the Federal Reserve for their woes.
Regulation should not be a political tool
October 23, 2013The UK and the US are taking very different regulatory stances, the former reverting to its characteristic light touch while the latter is taking a heavy-handed approach, but both regimes are driven by political considerations rather than market needs and are therefore at risk of damaging their respective banking systems.
Making a show of crisis management
October 11, 2013While the likelihood of a US default remains low, banks are still having to go to great lengths to show that they are prepared for a possible default scenario.
Technology isn't the only way to improve customer experience
October 7, 2013High-tech innovation in banking is all very well, but before banks invest too much time and energy in technology, they need to make sure that the banking products and services themselves are user-friendly.
Philippines CBG: the positive influence of financial inclusion
October 1, 2013The Philippines has enjoyed a lot of success in growing its microfinance market and pursuing financial inclusion. Moreover, widening the banking base has arguably had a positive effect on the country's overall financial stability.
Germany's finance minister: the case for European banking union
October 1, 2013Moves to establish an EU-wide banking union have developed at a rapid pace in recent months, and, if carried out properly, would complete the creation of a single market for financial services throughout Europe.
ABN Amro chief opts for slow and steady route
October 1, 2013Although his time as Dutch finance minister gives him a deep understanding of policy-making, ABN Amro chief Gerrit Zalm has mixed views on the current tide of regulatory initiatives in Europe.