Quantum computing has advanced to the point where banks can no longer afford to ignore it.

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.

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

Corporate and investment banking might look complicated and regulation-bound, but the sector was an early champion of technology and paved the way for many developments.

Where once post-Communist countries attracted the lion’s share of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development investment, destinations such as Turkey and Egypt now dominate, signalling a change of focus south and east of the Mediterranean.