Credit rating agencies received a lot of publicity in the financial crisis. Famously they gave glittering ratings to investments which later became worthless.
Latest articles from Analysis & Opinion
How Greek banks can alleviate the liquidity squeeze
December 8, 2010Greek banks need to take urgent measures to protect their liquidity in the wake of the sovereign debt crisis, but must be careful not to destabilise the fragile economy further by cutting off credit to their clients.
Chilean Finance minister on rescues and recovery
November 24, 2010The finance minister of Chile discusses the country's "very exceptional" fiscal situation, and tells how it is recovering from an earthquake that shattered the country earlier this year. Writers Jane Monahan and Brian Caplen
Barbados ready for challenges ahead
November 24, 2010Barbados's central bank governor describes how the country is confident it can tackle the challenges of high unemployment, low FDI and a rise in public debt. Writers Jane Monahan and Brian Caplen
St Lucia outlines its offshore financial ambitions
November 24, 2010On the sidelines of the IMF annual meetings, the permanent secretary in Saint Lucia's Finance Ministry, Isaac Anthony, discusses remedies to boost tourism to the Caribbean nation and plans to develop it as an offshore financial centre. Writers Jane Monahan and Brian Caplen
Honduras' William Chong on the country's new stability
November 24, 2010The Honduran finance minister tells The Banker that the country is moving towards a period of greater stability following an agreement with the IMF, the first with an international financial institution since elections in the country re-established civilian rule. Interview Brian Caplen and Jane Monahan
How Skandia revamped its outsourcing model
November 24, 2010When Swedish financial services giant Skandia implemented a new online business model, the group's CIO was left juggling an outsourcing contract designed with very different requirements in mind, while the IT department took on an increasingly important role in the firm's future. Writer John Beck
How technology has transformed banking
November 24, 2010It is time for the banks to embrace Web 2.0 by putting the customer in control of how they receive financial services.
Malaysia shows the way forward
November 24, 2010HSBC Amanah's chief executive officer talks to Stephen Timewell about the developments of Islamic finance in Asia and how Malaysia is shaping up to be a key market for HSBC Amanah, and Islamic finance in general.
Strong growth set to continue
November 24, 2010The deputy CEO of HSBC Amanah, Razi Fakih talks to Stephen Timewell about how the bank is balancing its focus between key traditional Islamic finance countries and products, and expanding into less well established areas.