We are not woolly liberals at The Banker and yet it is hard to deny that the greatest problem facing the world is growing inequality. The advance of technology is creating a divide between those with the skills to access and profit from it and those who do not. In the emerging markets, the gap is between those gaining from growing manufacturing sectors, tourism and call centres and those still stuck in urban slums or backward rural areas.

Orthodox ‘adjustment’ policies risk destroying the gains made since the 2001 crisis, namely high growth and investment rates as well as reasonably low inflation and unemployment, says Roberto Lavagna.

The Equator Principles have been improved but successful implementation remains the true litmus test, say Andrea Durbin and Johan Frijns.

With its neighbours in various states of strife, safeguarding Turkey’s obvious progress should be an EU priority.

The reality of delivering savings through single platforms depends on delivering the technology behind it, regardless of the model used.

With agonising predictability, the Middle East is once again the scene of conflict and bloodshed. As a monthly business publication, we do not try to compete with CNN, the news wires and the dailies in providing graphic coverage of wars and disasters. We expect our readers to be well versed in the headlines before The Banker lands on their desks.

The purchase of developing country banks by global banks can be mutually beneficial. But accompanying corporate governance issues such as a lack of transparency must be addressed. Guillermo Ortiz explains.

Growth powered by political motives is unsustainable and will lead to instability, warns Arthur Waldron.

Banking in India and China has a long way to go to match global comparisons, but both countries will get there in the end.

Our listing shows that globalisation has boosted the banking sector and the three years of record gains can certainly be extended.