If 'algorithms, bail-ins and cajas' were the ABC of banking in 2012, what will be the new buzzwords? Philip Alexander looks at the phrases that defined 12 months of pain, and suggests some words to watch in 2013.
Latest articles from Transaction banking
Asia and Latin America: a special relationship in the making?
November 1, 2012With advanced economies still languishing in the doldrums, trade between Asia and Latin America is driving global economic growth, and it appears that this blossoming relationship is mutually beneficial. However, could protectionist policies in Latin America dampen this ardour?
After Europe's withdrawal: the reshaping of Asian trade finance
October 1, 2012The effects of the European retreat from trade finance in Asia are now apparent as a number of players are stepping in and new trade patterns are taking shape.
Offshore renminbi spreads beyond Hong Kong
October 1, 2012Hong Kong is the world’s offshore centre for the renminbi, and now other international centres are joining the Chinese currency’s path to internationalisation. But as additional pools of liquidity are being created, will the new centres dilute the existing offshore liquidity and create separate puddles rather than one large pool?
Swift CEO sets agenda for Sibos 2012
October 1, 2012Ahead of Sibos 2012, Gottfried Leibbrandt, chief executive officer of the Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication, or Swift, sat down for an exclusive interview with The Banker to discuss the conference agenda and the company's position in a rapidly changing global landscape.
Correspondent banking under Dodd-Frank, Section 1073: the new normal
October 1, 2012The Dodd-Frank Act, Section 1073 is going to alter the practice of retail cross-border payments services – not just for US-based financial institutions but also for their correspondent banking relationships abroad. The deadline is near, but a practical solution to meet the requirements of the rule still seems far off. The Banker looks at some alternatives that have finally started to emerge.
Wallet wars: mobile payment systems fight for critical mass
August 1, 2012The battle to persuade customers to ditch their traditional wallets in favour of a digitised version on their mobile phone has stepped up a notch in the past few months, with big technology and internet companies threatening the territory of the more familiar payment brands. Jane Cooper looks at who is making the early running in this war of the wallets.
Germany’s hidden lending shortfall
July 2, 2012The availability of bank credit for small and medium-sized enterprises is often seen as a relative strength of the German economy, but borrowers themselves seem to harbour anxieties about their banks.
Europe ready for arrival of the renminbi
July 2, 2012As the Chinese authorities lift restrictions and open up the renminbi market stage by stage, the significance of what is unfolding has not gone unrecognised in Europe, and, according to a recent survey by The Banker, it is not only those already doing business with the country that are interested in the renminbi's development. As London takes steps to establish itself as an offshore renminbi financial centre, many are anxious to take advantage of the opportunities soon to be available.
Non-banks move in on merchant acquiring
June 1, 2012The need for scale, continuous investment as well as constraints on capital are pushing banks to reconsider whether they need to keep their merchant services divisions in house, or allow a non-bank player to step in.