Barclays has a rich history in Africa, which makes its recent announcement of a retreat from the continent all the more surprising. While new CEO Jes Staley has been diplomatic in explaining the reasons behind this exit, the topic of over-zealous regulation dragging down global banks is again coming under the spotlight. 

As the UK announces a June referendum on the country's EU membership, banks based in the City of London are looking on nervously. Brian Caplen assesses at the potential impact of a Brexit on the Square Mile.

The current volatility in markets stems from the policies brought in in the immediate aftermath of the financial crisis. These have now served their purpose, says Brian Caplen, and it is the time for the banking world to move on, unencumbered by red tape, QE and low interest rates, much as it could before 2009.

Bank shareholders disappointed by poor dividend returns in recent years are set for further anguish, according to a report from Oliver Wyman, which says any excess cash should be spent on upgrading technology in order to compete with fintech disruptors.

As cash-strapped governments continue to tighten their belts, 'social impact investing' – in which the wealthy fund schemes or projects that benefit society but also provide a return – is becoming more and more appealing.

Two-thousand and sixteen ushered in an uncertain economic climate in many parts of the world, but the prospects for India look strong. However, the country must keep spending in check and continue along its reform path if it is to remain 'the last BRIC standing'. 

The International Monetary Fund could be hamstrung by new rules, leaving the European Commission and Central Bank to sort out further problems in Greece. 

US presidential favourite Hillary Clinton's recent diatribe calling for further regulatory burdens and fines to be imposed on banks are the last thing the finance industry needs in the aftermath of such a turbulent few years. A spell of reflection would be much more beneficial all round.

The recent stress tests conducted by the Bank of England provided largely positive news for the UK's largest lenders, but how valuable are there results by the time they've reached the CEOs' in-trays?

The election of Mauricio Macri as the president of Argentina bodes well for a country that has experienced economic struggles in recent years, and has often been at odds with the international community. However, investors will need more than an election win before they are convinced to return to the country.