Well-run and regulated international universal banks have an essential role to play in both the global recovery and the financial system at large.
Latest articles from Management & Strategy
UniCredit's new leader still has some old problems
December 23, 2010Federico Ghizzoni, UniCredit's new CEO, appears to strike the right personal balance between the group's Italian origins and its pan-European reach. But some of the dilemmas that dragged down his predecessor, Alessandro Profumo, need resolving. Writer Philip Alexander
New priorities in financial marketing
December 8, 2010Rebuilding customer trust is probably the top priority for bank marketing and communications executives today. Also high on the agenda are exploiting the opportunities presented by social media, dealing with customer complaints and improving customer data management.
What next for UniCredit after Profumo?
November 24, 2010The departure of UniCredit CEO Alessandro Profumo was not entirely unexpected, following rumours of his discomfort, but his sudden exit has still left many questions hanging over the future strategy of Italy's largest bank. Writer David Lane
Dispute casts shadow over BTA Bank's restructuring
July 28, 2010The debt restructuring deal for Kazakhstan's BTA Bank was signed in May 2010, but a bitter dispute between the current and former owners of the bank continues to cast a shadow over its future. Writer Philip Alexander
Top 500 Banking Brands
February 1, 2010In such volatile times for the financial sector, strong branding is more important than ever. The Banker's Top 500 Banking Brands listing ranks the leading brands. Brian Caplen reports.
Rethinking bankers' pay
October 5, 2009The public clamour to cap bankers' bonuses is being acted upon with varying degrees of urgency and strictness by governments and regulators around the world. Writer Edward Russell-Walling
Advancing with caution
October 5, 2009A recent survey by IFAC/The Banker revealed that although lending to small and medium-sized enterprises slowed down in the first half of 2009 as banks tightened security measures, a cautious increase in activity can be expected over the next few years. Silvia Pavoni reports.
The power of innovation
October 5, 2009Innovative small businesses often hold the key to job creation during financial turmoil and the accountancy profession can play a strategic role in helping such enterprises to obtain the financing they need to grow, writes IFAC president Robert Bunting.
Logical progression
October 5, 2009Recognising the key role that the accountancy profession plays in the development of SMEs, IFAC has extended its services to help facilitate this relationship, writes Sylvie Voghel, chair of IFAC's Small and Medium Practices Committee.
