Will opportunities in the emerging economies help soften the blow of an economic slowdown in the US? Or are environmental issues the primary concern of global banks? Silvia Pavoni questions nine top bankers about what 2007 holds for them.

From a cost perspective the merging of stock exchanges in a particular region makes perfect sense, but nationalistic politics dictates this cannot be, hence partnership is the only way forward, says Ruben Lee.

The speedy adoption of algorithmic trading – which places more power in the hands of buyers and sellers – has altered equity markets to such an extent that some are even predicting the demise of sell-side trading firms altogether. Natasha de Terán explores.

Despite China opening up banking to foreigners, incomers will face difficult challenges to make an impact on such a gargantuan market.

Emerging markets investors are discriminating increasingly between countries, signalling a fundamental shift in approach to the asset class.

From being viewed as the rather uninteresting transfer of low-value payments by migrant workers, the remittance market has captured the attention of the world’s largest banks. 

Automated FX trading is opening up the field to a wide variety of market participants, reflected in growing FX market volumes, particularly from non-traditional players. Mark Pelham reports.

To meet the demands of hedge funds for over-the-counter instruments, a new and hugely lucrative prime brokerage service has emerged. Natasha de Teran examines OTC intermediation.

Electronic trading of over-the-counter derivatives is just beginning and is expected to boost volumes considerably in the future, driven by both the buy-side and the sell-side. Natasha De Teran reports on developments in the way OTC business is being done.

FX banks are confronted by a series of issues regarding delivery channels, namely which platforms to support, whether they should support all clients equally on all platforms, and how to identify which clients on which platforms are disruptive and/or unprofitable. Mark Pelham explains.