The advent of Sepa presents a unique chance for banks and companies to rethink their business and operating models, and so reap the benefits of a harmonised payments market.By Naveed Sultan.

The Single Euro Payments Area will harmonise and unify financial infrastructure across the EU, compel change and, in doing so, open up new windows of business opportunity. By Francesco Vanni d’Archirafi.

The payment card industry is under attack from the European Commission, writes Michael Imeson.

What is taken as gospel truth in European and American business circles, namely the infallibility of the western model, is far from accepted in the rest of the world. Brian Caplen explains why the dissenters exist and why their influence seems to be growing.

Not only are there moves afoot to review the regional imbalances in the IMF’s and World Bank’s funding programmes but also calls to review the way the institutions’ leaders are chosen. 

National Australia Bank has revamped its UK holdings, Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks, as local financial centres with an in-house manager style reminiscent of the 1970s. Stephen Timewell reports.

The EU’s Prospectus Directive is flailing because every state has interpreted it differently. And other directives close to their implementation deadlines, such as the Capital Requirements Directive and the Markets in Financial Instruments Directive (MiFID), may suffer the same fate, writes Michael Imeson.

Corporate social responsibility is not new to European savings banks. They have a historical commitment to making a contribution to their local communities. Chris De Noose reports.

Regulation is on the rise in Europe and will have a massive impact on the banking industry in the next decade. Crispian Lord examines the conflict between bankers and regulators, and suggests three key steps for a bank’s strategic response.

A mobile global population means a constant stream of money transfers between countries. Initiatives are under way to ensure the process is simple, safe and affordable, as Wendy Atkins reports.