Risk management, the lifeblood of financial services, is undergoing an identity crisis as many experts call into question the validity of traditional risk management methods. In this Masterclass, Keith Saxton, global director for financial markets at IBM, and Francis Lacan, global risk and compliance solution manager for the financial services sector at IBM, discuss how technology can help improve the measuring and monitoring of systemic risk and why internal risk management functions should be regarded as a profit centre. Writer Michelle Price

Financial services providers are looking for better ways to manage their customer operations, with outsourcing on the list of options. This was the topic for discussion at a recent round table organised by The Banker and sponsored by Transcom Worldwide, a provider of outsourced business processes

As the financial crisis continues, many banks cutting back on spending are targeting their IT budgets. Despite this, IT teams around the globe are performing admirably under great pressure. The Banker's Innovation In Banking Technology Awards recognises those who have excelled in times of unparalleled adversity.

As Taishin Financial Holdings' chief information officer, B R Ho has led the bank through its migration to service-orientated architecture, a move which has enabled the company to build a far more comprehensive knowledge of its customers. Writer Michelle Price
B R Ho, senior vice-president and CIO of Taishin Financial Holdings

Insurance company Norwich Union's high-profile rebranding as Aviva has created a mammoth integration task for Veronique Arnoldi, new chief technology officer of its asset management division Aviva Investors.

The Czech Republic will not be immune from the slowing global economy but Ceska sporitelna starts from a position of strong risk management and ample liquidity, says CEO Gernot Mittendorfer. Writer Philip Alexander

Short-term trade finance has come apart in Latin America but banks and governments are focusing on home markets to the detriment of a global solution. The effects are reverberating hard in emerging markets and a dependence on devalued commodities and over-aggressive hedging by exporters are exacerbating the situation. Writer John Rumsey.

­Schroders’ head of group IT, Matthew Oakeley, talks about the bank’s shift from IT outsourcing to a full back-office revamp. Writer Michelle Price.

The financial crisis has forced many banks into mergers, but consolidation throws up its own problems, such as that of integration. Writer Michelle Price.