Karina Robinson analyses the increasing importance of branding in a world where the security of investments and savings has been overtaken by the image of the bank.

It is not a matter of how, but of when. A major cross-border bank merger in Europe involving core countries is imminent. Investment banks are busy advising their clients on possible deals, bank chief executives are flying back and forth having talks with their counterparts and lawyers are looking at the legal implications.

European and American banks will have to cut costs, deepen customer relationships and search for new opportunities in order to weather the US slowdown.

Karina Robinson talks to the FSA’s Sir Howard Davies.

Asia’s foremost statesman Lee Kuan Yew led Singapore from third-world backwater to first-world city in three decades. Now senior minister of the island state, he remains forthright in his views, here tackling questions on China’s stability, global banks and capital controls.

The Banker asked a panel of experts to rate this year’s banking mergers. They gave top marks to Barclays/Woolwich but were highly negative on Dresdner/Wasserstein Perella.

Concern is growing that promises of more IMF dialogue with the private sector may be difficult to meet.

The recent Washington meeting between the IMF and the World Bank left the two more divided than ever and the multilaterals unsure of their role, says Karina Robinson

Just over a year after the launch of the single European currency, the prognosis is good. But if the euro is to thrive, governments must think long term, says Michael Blanden.