Latest articles from Regulations

What future for the CFTC?

April 29, 2013

The reauthorisation of the US regulator should be a formality, but the combination of Dodd-Frank implementation and the MF Global failure have made for a deeper discussion of the agency’s future.

Small change, big difference: Nigeria’s small and medium-sized lenders are targeting the lower end of the market, offering products and services aimed at the country’s large unbanked population

Nigeria’s small banks pack a punch

April 2, 2013

Nigeria’s banking sector has become highly concentrated over the past 10 years, with the biggest five lenders now dominating market share. But executives at smaller firms are not worried. They insist that innovation and nimbleness, not to mention the huge scope for growth in Nigeria, will see them make up for their lack of size.

Financial transaction tax misses the target

March 21, 2013

Certain EU member countries want banks to foot the bill for plugging the budget deficit they helped to cause. But the resulting tax looks set to hit the real economy most of all.

Regulatory wave poses a challenge for cross-border banking

March 1, 2013

It is not just the number, but also the complexity and regional variations of new banking regulations that are posing a challenge to international banks.

Tough year looms for Nigerias rejuvenated banks

Tough year looms for Nigeria's rejuvenated banks

March 1, 2013

Analysts are predicting a strong showing from Nigeria’s banks as they announce their 2012 results, perhaps demonstrating once and for all that they are over their 2009 crisis. They cannot rest on their laurels, however, as 2013 could be far tougher for them. 

Basel III reshapes trade finance

Basel III reshapes trade finance

March 1, 2013

As Basel III regulations come into play, banks looking for a quick fix to bulky balance sheets are divesting their trade finance assets, creating a gap in the market that investor groups and other alternative financiers are keen to fill.

cover story March 2013

Collateral: the hunt is on

March 1, 2013

More people need it, there might not be enough of it, and much of it is locked up and cannot get to where it needs to go. Collateral is in demand and the hunt is on.

Riding out the storm

How will Brazil's private banks see off multiple challenges?

February 27, 2013

Increased competition from public sector banks, criticism from the president, a weakening economy and aggressive interest rate cuts are combining to make life difficult for Brazil's private banks. Will an efficiency drive see them emerge leaner, smarter and stronger?

Will sovereigns regulate their own ratings?

February 25, 2013

The eurozone crisis has precipitated intense scrutiny of the sovereign credit rating process, but the sovereigns themselves are hardly impartial judges.

Pressing ahead with Sepa

February 1, 2013

After years of uncertainty, companies now have to be prepared for the Single Euro Payments Area (SEPA) because it’s the law. Rather than merely complying with SEPA rules and regulations, corporates need to focus on the opportunities that SEPA brings, says Robin Terry, head of business development and sales for HSBC’s cash management business in Europe

The Banker on Twitter