Russia's regional banks are often closer to their customers than the Moscow-based giants, but they can be hampered by a lack of both capital and transparency. While a new development fund is intended to change that, some critics argue that new capital adequacy requirements threaten their very existence.

Mark Harris, head of compliance with Renaissance Group, tells The Banker how he boosted the group's compliance capability, and installed a new trading surveillance system in its investment banking operations.

Transaction banking’s increased prominence in the global financial landscape has been well documented, but its increased standing has created issues as well as openings for market participants. Its rise in popularity has led to more competition, while the impact of macro-economic conditions, higher customer expectations and an unprecedented regulatory burden has made it increasingly tough just to stay in business. At a recent round table hosted by The Banker, a panel of industry experts discussed the challenges and opportunities faced by today's transaction bankers. The event, part of an ongoing series, was sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, but independently written and edited.

The renminbi is on a path to becoming an international currency, and the first step of the journey is for the Chinese currency to be used to settle trade payments. As businesses begin to see the benefits of using renminbi for trade settlement, banks are competing to make their mark on this growing business.