Should the payment card industry be a free market? Or does it need to be regulated? The debate is raging in countries across the world, with both retailers and card issuers arguing that tweaks to interchange fees and leaving them shortchanged.
Latest articles from FX & Payments
Evolving backdrop raises questions over capital controls
March 21, 2011Massive capital flows into Asia led many Asian countries to introduce capital controls and other mechanisms in a bid to stem flows and limit rising currency valuations. However, rising inflation and talk of interest rate rises have raised fears about slowing growth, leading to money flowing the other way.
Asia fails to balance currency and inflationary pressures
March 15, 2011Asian policy-makers have been trying to balance currency management with controlling inflation. Rising inflation and rising currencies suggest policy makers have failed to get the balance right.
Bank-to-bank volumes no longer biggest FX driver
March 10, 2011Last year, customer volumes overtook interbank volumes in the foreign exchange market for the first time. Electronic and high-frequency trading help to account for the change, as does the rise of retail participants – but regulatory change is also helping to cement this trend.
Renminbi takes the slow road to domination
March 10, 2011The battle over the valuation of the Chinese renminbi has often been characterised by vitriolic debate and has seen a titanic clash between Washington and Beijing about the right level for the currency and the speed of appreciation. But efforts to internationalise the renminbi are already taking effect.
Decision time on FX CCPs
March 8, 2011Two central counterparties are currently being built to clear foreign exchange options. There is a great deal of preparation to be done.
High rates put the spotlight on Brazil
September 29, 2010Fuelled by high interest rates, the strength of the Brazilian currency should be thwarting growth, but Brazil is not your typical emerging economy, reports Silvia Pavoni.
Central banks focus on reserves and currencies
September 29, 2010Central banks have dropped their traditional low profile - becoming more proactive, accumulating large reserves and intervening actively to support their national currencies and interests. The composition of their reserves is also changing, with a number of central banks considering moves to reduce their exposure to the US dollar, reports Joanne Hart.
Corporates left at the sharp end of currency risk
September 29, 2010Unprecedented volatility on the foreign exchange markets has dramatically increased the currency-related risks for corporates and has forced them to re-evaluate their strategies for hedging against sudden shifts. Banks and software suppliers are developing tools to help them address the situation, writes Frances Maguire.
FX emerges as the big winner of the crisis
September 29, 2010FX volumes have risen to new heights on the back of a huge increase in spot volumes and more activity from a broader range of players. But what the figures really tell us is that FX has matured as an asset class. Geraldine Lambe reports.
