Latest articles from Policy

Battle to build Africa teaser

The battle to build Africa: will India and Japan usurp China?

January 2, 2018

Japan and India are joining forces to boost their commercial presence in Africa and counter China’s dominance. Will they be able to compete with the continent's top trading partner – and how is Beijing reacting to the new competition? Stefania Palma reports.

Chiranjibi Nepal teaser

Nepal’s central bank chief seeks more stability and fewer banks

December 1, 2017

Nepal is grappling with interest rate and liquidity volatility as well as a relatively large banking sector that has 28 commercial banks. Chiranjibi Nepal, governor of Nepal Rastra Bank, tells Stefania Palma how the central bank is addressing these issues.

Udaya Shumsher Rana teaser

Nepal leaves itself with a federal mountain to climb

December 1, 2017

Nepal faces parliamentary and inaugural provincial elections at the end of 2017 while being tasked with setting up a new federal system. Ministry of finance officials tell Stefania Palma how the government is coping.

Will Catalonia independence movement dent Spain’s economic recovery?

December 1, 2017

As Spain’s economy is forecast to outpace 2008 GDP growth for the first time since the eurozone crisis, its own constitutional problems are posing a risk to the upbeat projections, writes Stefanie Linhardt. 

Belarus recovery carousel

Belarus inches toward economic recovery

November 1, 2017

Belarus is gradually coming out of recession though its public sector reforms are too slow for some. This, combined with high dollarisation, could restrict its growth, writes Stefanie Linhardt.

Turkey notes teaser

Turkey builds recovery on credit with an eye on elections

September 1, 2017

The Turkish government has launched a bold stimulus programme aimed at lifting the economy out of its slump ahead of coming elections, but at what long-term cost to the nation’s finances? Tom Stevenson reports.

Bank of Russia teaser

Adapting to the ‘new normal’ in Russian banking

September 1, 2017

As the Russian economy recovers, the new equilibrium brings fresh challenges to the financial sector. Stefanie Linhardt finds out how the management at many of the country's leading banks are adapting to this environment at the International Financial Congress in St Petersburg.

Pakistan economy teaser

Can Pakistan hold its nerve and sustain economic growth?

July 3, 2017

Pakistan’s GDP growth is up, its budget deficit is down and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor promises to bring with it major investment. But observers are warning against government complacency as its privatisation programme stalls and power debts remain unpaid. 

PBOC teaser

Will regulatory crackdown see China emerge from the shadows?

July 3, 2017

Chinese regulators have tightened their grip on the banking sector in an effort to control financial risk, the country’s ballooning shadow banking sector and excessive debt load. Which banks stand a better chance of meeting these tougher requirements? Stefania Palma reports.

Japan economy teaser

Japan takes a radical approach to spark economic revival

June 1, 2017

Negative inflation, stagnant wage growth and an ageing population are forcing Japanese policy-makers to take innovative and, some would say, counterproductive measures to revive the economy. Stefania Palma reports.

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