UBS has endured a catastrophic three years. Now, under the stewardship of former Credit Suisse chief Oswald Grübel, the bank is attempting to restore its reputation and revive its business. Geraldine Lambe reports.
Latest articles from Wholesale Banking
Is foreign investment the answer to Iraq's banking needs?
December 30, 2009A muscular banking sector will make or break whether Iraq is to rebuild and prosper. And while there are increasing levels of capital inflow into the region, local banking infrastructure remains limited, leaving the sector wide open for foreign investment. Writer Courtney Fingar in Baghdad
Puerto Rico's banks reach a critical juncture
December 30, 2009Puerto Rico's dependence on the US meant that the subprime crisis hit its banking sector particularly hard. A period of consolidation is now expected, but who the winners will be - the big domestic players or foreign-owned entities - remains to be seen. Writer Jane Monahan in Puerto Rico
Downturn plays into regional hands
October 28, 2009The economic downturn has temporarily alleviated the pressure on Brazil's regional banks. They are using that breathing space to seek efficiencies, including cost cutting, improving customer service and seeking capital from new sources. They need to move fast: as national banks recover, acquisition of regional banks will once again become an attractive expansion strategy. Writer John Rumsey
Banco de Oro plans to grow through recession
October 28, 2009As one of the Philippines' most dynamic bankers, Nestor Tan has overseen a series of acquisitions and mergers that have transformed Banco de Oro into the largest bank in the country by assets. Now he is eager for further growth by capitalising on opportunities presented by the recession. Writer Michelle Price
The taming of Merrill
October 28, 2009Bank of America Merrill Lynch has had a rough year. Its CEO is being forced to retire, it is under intense regulatory scrutiny and senior investment bankers have left in droves. Yet it is holding up well in the league tables, and deal flow is looking pretty strong. Is Bank of America beating the odds and making a success of the acquisition? Geraldine Lambe reports.
Local players step up as Russian market thaws
October 5, 2009Russian capital markets have taken longer than most to thaw in the wake of the credit crisis, but leading local investment banks are now getting the chance to put their new ownership structures to the test. Writer Philip Alexander
The liquidity trap
September 2, 2009The FSA's new regime to plug the holes in the UK's liquidity risk management system is being criticised by the sector as overzealous and potentially harmful. Michelle Price reports.
The end of a beautiful relationship?
June 4, 2009In the wake of the crisis almost everything to do with banks is being questioned - regulation, business models, corporate governance and ownership. Some fear that once burned, shareholders will be twice shy and may avoid bank stocks and bank debt altogether. State ownership is deemed a temporary measure but have private investors fallen out of love with banks? Writer Geraldine Lambe
Keeping funds to regions flowing
April 7, 2009As Russia's less developed regional banks are hit hard by the liquidity crisis, the chairman of Bank Center-Invest outlines his response. Writer Philip Alexander