Given the Euronext/NYSE merger, Paris now has massive economies of scale to add to its world-renowned expertise in areas including derivatives and risk-based modelling. Arnaud de Bresson explains.

Algorithmic trading was blamed for the escalating volatility spikes in August. Frances Maguire asks if this is a fair criticism as well as looking at how algorithms are getting smarter.

The CEO of the Depository Trust & Clearing Corporation talks to Alan Duerden on playing the volume and innovation game.

Africa is the new frontier for foreign investors but it must iron out risk and reward inefficiencies.

As Thailand prepares for elections, foreign banks are looking around for openings in a market with room for growth. Simon Montlake reports from Bangkok.

Diversification by banks away from industry and into retail indicates Russia’s growing banking prowess.

Jan Cienski in Prague reports on Erste Bank’s hugely successful expansion into the countries that once formed the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

BBVA may have grabbed the headlines for missed acquisitions but a bank that posts 20% a year profits growth, that pays a top return on equity as well as being a byword for prudence cannot be all bad, as Karina Robinson discovers.

Banks and insurers must adopt an integrated view of risk and align it with business strategy if they want to create value for shareholders. Michael Imeson summarises discussions at the second of three risk management round tables hosted by The Banker, this time in London.

MiFID’s first deadline has passed and only three EU members are in full compliance. Alan Duerden assesses whether the European Commission can realistically punish so many offenders.