Regulatory pressure and the high cost of capital are driving a radical change of asset ownership in Europe. But most banks could take years to sell their non-core assets.

Since the onset of the financial crisis, Europe-based international banks such as HSBC and Santander have been scaling down operations in Latin America. This has created myriad opportunities for emerging regional financial players, which have lost no time in filling the gaps left by the European retreat.

The Asian city state of Singapore attracted more foreign investment in its financial sector than any other IFC in the world over the past year. Geneva, Edinburgh and Glasgow were notable risers in the ranking, while troubled Madrid lost significant ground.

Europe’s MTN market has proved to be accessible for most SSAs and corporate borrowers since the start of the year. But it is a different story for bank issuers, most of whom are restricted to selling covered bonds. 

Iceland's rebuilding efforts following its economic collapse have borne some fruit, with the IMF predicting 2.5% growth for this year, but the country is still faced with a number of challenges.

As Libya emerges from 42 years of state domination under former leader Muammar Gaddafi and an eight-month civil war, the country’s banking sector faces opportunities and challenges in almost equal measure. 

Ecobank's CEO Arnold Ekpe explains how the bank upgraded and centralised its core system across operations in 32 countries, boosting efficiency and saving money along the way.

International banking groups have traditionally been the main players in Central America but as markets begin to grow, in nearby Colombia in particular, local lenders are increasing their profits, acquiring foreign-owned subsidiaries and establishing a greater presence in the market.

After years of economic mismanagement, Libya's two key state financial institutions – the Libyan Foreign Bank and the country's sovereign wealth fund, the Libyan Investment Authority – are restructuring and carving out new strategies as the country wakes up to a new economic dawn.