Japan's mega-banks – Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group and Mizuho Financial Group – have faced a number of challenges over the past few years, from the country's low-interest-rate environment to its ageing population. However, by diversifying their revenue sources and geographical portfolios, these lenders are managing to defy stagnant domestic conditions.
Latest articles from Politics & Economics
Will China's New Silk Road progress smoothly?
September 1, 2015China's One Belt, One Road initiative – building a new Silk Road between western Europe and China's east coast as well as improving the Maritime Silk Road – will be a major game changer for international trade. Stefania Palma assesses its possible impact.
Argentina continues to walk a default tightrope
July 1, 2015It is becoming less and less likely that Argentina will resolve its dispute with international investors over its 2002 default before its presidential election in October. The question is, will the country drift further apart from the international investor community, or will the next government bring about the structural reforms markets are impatient to see?
Brunei's banks unperturbed by oil price drop
June 1, 2015Hydrocarbon resources account for more than 90% of exports and more than 50% of gross domestic product in Brunei. But, thanks to the country's historical surpluses and government's spending discipline, it has weathered the storm of falling oil prices relatively well, with local banks remaining in profit and even eyeing growth.
Shaken but not stirred: Malaysia sustains oil price drop
April 30, 2015Global oil price volatility may be weighing heavily on Malaysia’s economy, but such events are not putting the country’s banking sector off its stride. Indeed, its lenders are increasingly looking to opportunities in the Asean region and Islamic banking to diversify their balance sheets.
Bringing the co-operative model into the 21st century
April 1, 2015Born out of social innovation in the 19th century, Europe's co-operative banking model is now struggling to stay relevant in an increasingly globalised, technology-driven and heavily regulated banking market. Silvia Pavoni looks into ways the model can stay afloat.
China's new tech-savvy banks: how private lenders could threaten the status quo
April 1, 2015The banking licences being granted to private companies in China look set to shake up the country's financial sector, with its 'big four' lenders coming under pressure from tech-savvy newcomers with a strong customer network, such as Alibaba and Tencent.
The challenges facing Latin America in 2015
March 2, 2015A combination of new political strategies at home and abroad, evolving trade routes and weak oil prices are creating a new environment for Latin America. The Banker asked a group of influential economists how the future will look for the region.
Silver service: how to cope with the financial demands of an ageing population
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The Asean Economic Community's many layers
January 5, 2015Progress towards the integration of the economic community of the Association of South-east Asian Nations in 2015 has been impressive, but challenges remain as member countries attempt to bring together very different values.
