The environment is ripe for continental consolidation this year and everything points to there being some mega cross-border deals.

Who needs science fiction when the real thing is much more amazing? In this month’s cover story “Quantum Leap, Trading Faster Than the Speed of Light”, technology editor Dan Barnes explores how the demands of the trading desk for capacity and speed are bumping up against the laws of physics.

The forthcoming Spring Council must end with stronger commitments on national reform than its predecessors if growth, competitivity and jobs are to be boosted in the EU, says Ernest-Antoine Seillire.

Basel II offers banks the chance to take a strategic look at their organisation, say Paul Pilorz and Seth Thomas.

All eyes are on the Gulf region to see which direction it will take in choosing replacements for its long-time leaders.

A series of unfortunate events at the Tokyo Stock Exchange may be symptomatic of the weakness of Japan’s economy as a whole.

In the old adage about whether a glass is half full or half empty, The Banker tends to go for the half full version. As a champion of the industry we are mindful of the difficulties and problems that beset the world but we also believe there are mainstream solutions that do not involve tearing everything up and starting again.

With demographic change and globalisation presenting fresh challenges, Rodrigo de Rato explains how the 60-year-old International Monetary Fund is adapting itself to new paradigms.

Most of China’s population live in the countryside and these are also its poorest citizens, making rural development one of the government’s top agenda items. Finance minister Jin Renqing explains.

Daniel Gros assesses the likely consequences of a downturn in the fortunes of some eurozone members.