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.

The government has pushed Japan's banks to sell down their cross-shareholdings, and the capital this creates could see the country's leading lenders increasing their presence on the world stage.

With so many regulations being released by different bodies, is now the time for bankers to pause and absorb their impact?