Latest articles from Analysis & Opinion

Dresdner keeps strategic focus

April 7, 2008

Despite its write-downs last year and Allianz splitting Dresdner Kleinwort off from rest of the group, Dresdner Bank’s senior executives still see opportunities to progress on the international stage. Philip Alexander reports.

Firewalls hinder progress

April 7, 2008

Some banks are making efforts to engage with people through virtual worlds and social networks on the internet but their knowledge of this area is still limited – and being excluded by corporate firewalls does not help, writes Chris Skinner.

Driver UK deal helps RBS swerve slowdown

April 7, 2008

The credit crisis has brought the ABS market to near standstill. However, RBS has remained active in the field and used its healthy relationship with VW to good effect, reports Edward Russell-Walling.

Google moves into the online banking picture

April 7, 2008

Could Google revolutionise the world of online banking? Its involvement as a platform is looking increasingly likely.

Politically driven post-crisis legislation must be avoided

April 7, 2008

A regulatory backlash is almost certain to follow the current trail of bail-outs and mortgage guarantees. Banks must ensure they have a say in any reform process or face the burden of further legislation.

Labour policy dream is not yet dashed

April 7, 2008

It is not yet time to abolish ALMPs – activation policies can make a difference, say Rafael Lalive, Jan van Ours and Josef Zwimuller.

Certain wheels must keep turning

March 4, 2008

Banks must resist calls for quick change to tackle the subprime crisis. But they must also not retreat into their shells. Concerted action and a willingness to continue to take risks is the way forward, says John Varley.

Looking beyond China

March 4, 2008

China Construction Bank is the third largest bank in China and the 14th largest in the world. Stephen Timewell talks to chairman Guo Shuqing about his overseas ambitions and strategy.

‘Transparency is the key word for what we are doing now'

March 4, 2008

European Central Bank governor Jean-Claude Trichet talks to Brian Caplen in Davos about the present crisis, the dangers of opacity and what Europe and the US have in common.

Less a loser, more a team player

March 4, 2008

Critics within his coalition government and the media are rounding on Austria’s ‘ineffectual’ chancellor Alfred Gusenbauer but, he tells Karina Robinson, those who write him off may be in for a surprise.

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