Brazil's past battles with hyperinflation have left the legacy of a payment system whose efficiency assists its economy's stability to such an extent that it has garnered a host of global admirers. Writer John Rumsey

The renewed currency volatility of the past year has received attention from banks, international organisations, governments and researchers, mindful of the Asian currency crisis of 1997/98. Commentators have discussed alleged causes, including systemic deficiencies, shortcomings of debtor nations and culpably soft attitudes by lenders.

While investors remain cautious, Frances Maguire finds that they are looking to the foreign exchange market for its low correlation with the equity market and using structuring to access it.

FX prime brokerage is a mysterious financial service. Natasha de Terán talks to experts in the field to clarify exactly what it is, its place within a bank's portfolio, and what it can offer clients.

While damaged counterparty status has driven some banks back from the foreign exchange market, those with healthier balance sheets are expanding their offering. Philip Alexander reports.

Even though the majority of sub-Saharan countries are cash-driven, a string of initiatives are being rolled out across the region to take bank notes out of transactions where possible. Telcos, financial companies and reforms by the central banks are leading the way in Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. Writer Wendy Atkins

Rob Mandeno, global head of FX spot and e-commerce at Deutsche Bank in London

As the credit crisis took hold, foreign exchange trading, regarded as a reliable source of profit, surged in popularity among investors. Now, as trading volumes begin to return to pre-crisis levels, the inference is that confidence is slowly returning to the global economy. Writer Charlie Corbett

The global recession has elevated payments processing to near the top of bank chiefs' priority lists, but the industry is going through a fundamental structural change that could lead to a slump in revenues and soaring business costs. Writer Charlie Corbett

From prime brokerage to fixed income, the trading landscape is under siege. But some pockets are still making good money. Writer Michelle Price.

Even with the creation of Continuous Linked Settlement Bank (CLS), foreign exchange settlement risk persists, with a large number of currencies remaining outside the scope of the industry utility. How much risk persists, and how can it be eliminated? Writer Frances Maguire.