Fuelled by high interest rates, the strength of the Brazilian currency should be thwarting growth, but Brazil is not your typical emerging economy, reports Silvia Pavoni.
Latest articles from Transaction banking
Central banks focus on reserves and currencies
September 29, 2010Central banks have dropped their traditional low profile - becoming more proactive, accumulating large reserves and intervening actively to support their national currencies and interests. The composition of their reserves is also changing, with a number of central banks considering moves to reduce their exposure to the US dollar, reports Joanne Hart.
Corporates left at the sharp end of currency risk
September 29, 2010Unprecedented volatility on the foreign exchange markets has dramatically increased the currency-related risks for corporates and has forced them to re-evaluate their strategies for hedging against sudden shifts. Banks and software suppliers are developing tools to help them address the situation, writes Frances Maguire.
FX emerges as the big winner of the crisis
September 29, 2010FX volumes have risen to new heights on the back of a huge increase in spot volumes and more activity from a broader range of players. But what the figures really tell us is that FX has matured as an asset class. Geraldine Lambe reports.
Has P2P's time finally come?
September 29, 2010An influx of non-bank online payment providers offering customers new, easy-to-use ways to transfer money has spurred some banks into providing similar systems. However, there is some scepticism, particularly in the US, about just how much these new methods threaten traditional banking models.
Shock absorbers
September 29, 2010Stress testing, liquidity management and faster reporting of financial information have been hot topics in banking in recent years, but now corporates - worried about the vulnerability to potential shocks - are also becoming increasingly concerned with these issues. Writer Nik Pratt
Facing up to realities of tougher climate
September 29, 2010Banks operating in global transaction services (GTS) are challenged by rising costs, shrinking margins and encroaching regulation. Emerging markets, and in particular Asia, are becoming increasingly important to the sector. The Banker asked leading GTS figures about their strategies for maintaining profitability and enhancing competitiveness. Edited by Anindita Ghosh
Bringing it all back home
September 29, 2010Many corporate businesses are beefing up their treasury operations, growing less reliant on their banking partners and moving to bring more of their cash, payments and transaction services operations in house. However, banks are fighting back against this trend by updating their own offerings. Writer Nik Pratt
Technology key to GTS future
September 29, 2010Transaction services providers are increasingly looking to technology to give them the edge in a market dogged by regulations and rising costs. John Beck reports.
Hitting the wrong target
September 29, 2010The new regulations designed to tame the world's banks and mend the post-crisis financial system are panning out with unintended consequences which threaten to hit the private sector where it hurts most. Michelle Price reports.