When Russia and China lend to emerging markets it is as much about politics and soft power as it is about economics. This makes any restructuring process unpredictable, writes Brian Caplen.
Latest articles from Comment
Latin America's long 'to do' list
March 26, 2018Latin America has come through the recent global recession in better shape than many expected. But that is no reason to hold back on important reforms, writes Brian Caplen.
ADB president says Asia can withstand external shocks
March 26, 2018Takehiko Nakao, president of the Asian Development Bank, discusses the impact of US Fed rate hikes and the possibility of protectionist US trade policies on a rapidly growing Asian region. Stefania Palma reports.
How investment banking pioneered fintech
March 26, 2018Corporate and investment banking might look complicated and regulation-bound, but the sector was an early champion of technology and paved the way for many developments.
Why MENA makes sense for the EBRD
March 26, 2018Where once post-Communist countries attracted the lion’s share of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development investment, destinations such as Turkey and Egypt now dominate, signalling a change of focus south and east of the Mediterranean.
Latin America prices US risk
March 22, 2018The world is being turned upside down, writes Brian Caplen. US banks used to worry about Latin American risk but now the region's banks are concerned about US risk and the next Trump tweet.
The UK's Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation: a new sheriff in town?
March 22, 2018A new UK anti-corruption authority looks set to wield an increased level of power, meaning compliance officers may have to review their strategies in the country, write Steven Farmer and Aaron Hutman.
Banking's North-South digital divide
March 20, 2018The biggest profits from digital banking will not be in Europe or North America but in Brazil and other key emerging markets, writes Brian Caplen.
The three-way split that threatens banks
March 12, 2018“The digital chasm will claim 80% of the world’s bank within 20 years.” This statement may be far-fetched but the thinking behind it is worth considering, writes Brian Caplen.
Blockchain: where it works, where it doesn’t
March 6, 2018Blockchain may not change the world but it will make an impact in areas of banking such as syndicated lending, trade finance, settlement and clearing, writes Brian Caplen.