After the merger of Brazil’s stock and derivatives exchanges, the country’s range of derivatives is fast expanding. John Rumsey reports.

With FX volumes surging to unprecedented levels, Frances Maguire finds out if avoiding bottlenecks is just a case of scaling up operations or if more dramatic industry-wide change is needed.

A wave of equity issuance and market distaste for complexity suggest that hybrids might be falling out of fashion as a source of bank capital in Europe. But Philip Alexander finds that any decline is likely to be temporary.

With oil prices predicted to hit $200 a barrel, every bank wants a piece of the rising energy market, not least to offset shrinking revenues elsewhere. But high prices, capital constraints and competition from industrial players are putting the brakes on ambition, writes Geraldine Lambe.

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena’s audacious €9bn purchase of Banca Antonveneta last November required some serious work to raise the necessary financing. Edward Russell-Walling reports on how the group’s efforts ended up breaking the Italian record for capital raised.

A successful issue by the International Finance Corporation proves the rand can still attract interest. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

The US has shown the way with special purpose vehicles that could prove a safe bet in today’s volatile market.

The implementation of MiFID has served to reduce transparency across the European market, causing confusion and uncertainty, writes Michelle Price.

Angola’s transformation from civil-war-torn state to booming oil producer has both bankers and fuel giants taking note.

Having endured the brunt of the subprime crisis, UBS is consolidating departments and concentrating on its strengths. Joint global head of investment banking Rick Leaman talks to Kathryn Tully.