Despite calls for fewer bank branches and for less cash to be in circulation, branch numbers are on the rise in some countries. But why?
Latest articles from Analysis & Opinion
Global banks go back to basics
March 1, 2012Investors appear to have lost confidence in diversified cross-border banking models, forcing banks to decide what they do best.
Libyans play economic waiting game
March 1, 2012Amid the celebrations to mark the first anniversary of Libya's revolution, strong economic leadership of the country is yet to emerge.
Europe's real crisis is one of democracy, not debt
February 1, 2012A return to economic growth in Estonia shows that it is possible to benefit from eurozone membership, even amid Europe's financial crisis. But governments must first acknowledge the limits of what the state can do.
Keep a balanced view on Hungary
February 1, 2012The international community should not use the threat of financial ruin to overrule Hungary's democratically elected government.
A profit focus may leave banks behind in innovation
February 1, 2012With more innovative tools being introduced to banking, banks cannot afford to simply seek profits. If they do, they will get left behind.
CBA makes it third time lucky for Australian covered bond issuance
February 1, 2012Commonwealth Bank of Australia's €1.5bn five-year issue was the third and comfortably the most successful Australian transaction since the country passed supportive legislation for covered bonds in late 2011. Joint bookrunner on the deal, BNP Paribas, put its success down to timing and the choice of currency.
What Kenya can teach the world about banking to the masses
February 1, 2012The example set by Kenya's banks when it comes to not only reaching the unbanked, but also making a profit from them, is something that the rest of the world should look to emulate.
Politics can still trump prudence
February 1, 2012Regulators are making much of macroprudential tools to prevent future bubbles. But regulatory capture remains an obvious risk.
The democratic and economic rewards of solving Africa's infrastructure deficit
January 3, 2012Africa’s poor infrastructure has caused it to lag behind other emerging markets over the past few decades. And while better infrastructure is crucial for the continent’s economic development, it can also boost democracy and good governance.