New rules for trading in China’s derivatives market have provided a major attraction for foreign banks, which are preparing for the country to open up fully in 2007. Natasha de Teran reports.

A close relationship and an ability to act fast when market conditions become favourable enabled Barclays Capital’s New York-based Latin American team to offer Petrotemex a range of options to refinance existing debt. Sophie Roell talks to the team.
It is a truism that timing is critical for any deal but for Latin American issuers, it is even more critical than for most. Volatility in the region is high, markets open and close quickly, and great opportunities can turn into missed chances in a matter of weeks.

SG CIB had a good 2003 and a promising first quarter, but can it keep up the pace? The firm’s CEO tells Geraldine Lambe about the bank’s plans to do just that
Every bank has certain tenets that characterise its corporate culture. As such, SG Corporate and Investment Banking (SG CIB), the investment banking arm of French group Société Générale, could be summed up by its belief in a focused business model, the cultivation of an entrepreneurial spirit and what the bank calls a “profitable growth strategy”.

Emerging market credits have enjoyed a financing renaissance in the international bond and loan markets in the past two years. However, the shadow of rising US interest rates and oil prices is casting a pall over emerging market bond issuance. By Joanna Hickey.

Equity derivatives have shown strong growth recently and major banks have been quick to adapt and strengthen their departments to capitalise on the boom. Natasha de Teran reports.

In only four years since exchange-traded funds were introduced in Europe the market has exploded.This is due, in large part, to their simplicity and tradability, says Isabelle Bourcier.

Warrants are fast becoming an essential part of any investor’s portfolio since they can make money whether the market is rising or falling. David Lake provides a guide to these useful financial tools.

Investors who have suffered at the hands of the recent bear market can be forgiven for being a little cautious, however, many are simply turning to structured products, says Delphine Simon.

Hedge funds are a form of alternative investment that is growing rapidly. But this diverse group uses a variety of strategies with very different risk/return profiles, which can be confusing for investors. Laurent Le Saint explains the pros and the cons.

Following Lehman Brothers’ push to diversify its business over the past few years, Geraldine Lambe talks to Jeremy Isaacs, Lehman’s CEO of Europe and Asia, about the firm’s new focus and toeing the company line.