Identification methods that were once science fiction are now being used by banks, and some of the most innovative schemes are not in the obvious technology hot-spots. Wendy Atkins reports.

Far from being hounded into extinction, the branch has undergone a resurrection with an entrepreneurial shift towards making sales instead of merely carrying out transactions. Michael Imeson reports.

As the Islamic finance sector becomes more competitive, innovation will be a key differentiator for attracting customers, writes Joe DiVanna.

Could Google revolutionise the world of online banking? Its involvement as a platform is looking increasingly likely.

A new report asks whether commercial pressures will change the identity of the microfinance sector. David Lascelles looks at its findings.

In a liquidity-constrained market, what revenues opportunities are there for securities lenders? Silvia Pavoni finds that quality of collateral is key.

India’s i-flex Solutions has grown into a market leader in the financial services industry since its launch in 1992. Founder R Shanx Ravisankar tells Stephen Timewell of the challenges that lie ahead for the software provider acquired by Oracle in 2005.

A recent encounter with a business banker proved that, as far as financial services are concerned, the days of human relationships and judgement calls are over. The computerised process is king. By Chris Skinner.

Improved education and better living standards mean employees are returning to India, transforming the country’s outsourced financial services. Brian Caplen reports on how the industry has adapted.

The rapid take off of prepaid cards in the US last year looks set to be replicated in Europe in 2008. Stephen Timewell and Wendy Atkins report on the payment industry’s ‘next big thing’.