The majority of Europe’s savings banks are viewing the Capital Requirements Directive, which transposes Basel II into European
law, as a good thing. Michael Imeson explains why.

Cross-border consolidation does not necessarily mean better integration, a more competitive or more efficient banking sector but nor is it the only way of serving customers well. Chris De Noose looks at the viable alternatives.

In the age of globalisation, local market representation and proximity to customers is deemed essential by both US and EU banks, writes Chris De Noose, chairman of the ESBG/WSBI management committee.

Post offices have progressed from merely serving the unbanked in developing countries to becoming serious contenders in the financial services stakes. Wendy Atkins reports.

Susana Fernández Caro details how some banks have tapped into
the potential for making loans available exclusively through ATMs.

US exchanges, brokers and dealers are struggling to meet the October deadline for compliance with Reg NMS – a US version of Europe’s MiFID – which will change the way equities are quoted and traded, writes Michael Imeson.

ABN AMRO’s experience of managing its own capital can be helpful in addressing clients needs, from asset liability management to meeting Basel II compliance deadlines, says Huibert Bouwmeester.

ABN AMRO’s asset liability management team clinched two important deals last year: the SMILE transaction, which was executed at tight pricing levels, and the Shield securitisation, which was designed to release risk-weighted capital under Basel I but is also Basel II efficient. Udo van der Linden outlines the transactions.

The structural flexibility of hybrid capital means that it should be an essential instrument in the acquisitions toolbox, and ideal in helping to provide the optimal solution for banks in an environment of cross-border consolidation, writes Nigel Howells.

Illiquid credit risk
For illiquid names, it becomes difficult – if not impossible – to provide delta hedges so that true single tranches can be manufactured by a trading desk.