Société Générale was a frequent issuer in the bond market until the conditions in the latter half of 2011 brought the Eurobond market to a standstill. So when investor interest was revived in the opening days of 2012, the French bank was quick to take the opportunity to tap the market, issuing a €1.5bn 10-year covered bond, which attracted investors from across Europe.
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Andorran banks forced to look further afield
February 1, 2012Traditionally reliant on neighbour Spain for their customer base, Andorra’s banks have been forced to reassess their strategies in light of the country’s – and the rest of Europe’s – economic malaise. Instead, they are targeting the Latin American market, as well as disillusioned clients of Swiss banks, attracted to a national banking sector renowned for its discretion and stability.
Kosovo's banking sector finds advantages in isolation
February 1, 2012Kosovo’s highly capitalised and liquid banking sector has benefited from its relative insulation from international markets, but its banks must develop and diversify their activities in order to put their funds to work.
Fee criticism brings costs quandary for US retail banks
February 1, 2012With traditional revenue streams taking a hit as a result of new regulations, retail banks in the US face a predicament. Should they risk losing customers by increasing their fees to cover costs, or is there another strategy that will appease shareholders and customers alike?
Russia's market structure begins to thaw
February 1, 2012The largest state-owned banks still dominate the top of Russia’s banking system, but high returns, specialisation and consolidation in the private sector are creating signs of change.
Consumer and infrastructure issuers push Brazil's equity market
February 1, 2012Despite volatility in equity capital markets the world over, Brazil continues to make a compelling investment case. And in 2012, twice as many new names are expected to debut on Bovespa than did in 2011, driven by the consumer and infrastructure sectors. For international banks wanting to win mandates competition will be tougher than ever, as Brazilian players continue to dominate the equity market.
Will outside events hinder Malaysia's reform plans?
February 1, 2012Malaysia is going through a period of transformation as the government seeks to push the country to developed nation status. The ambitious economic goals, however, are being tested by events further afield and observers are questioning to what degree Malaysia’s growth will be impacted by the troubles of the eurozone.
Tech-savvy Kenyan banks set the template for financial inclusion
February 1, 2012Kenya’s banks have proved themselves to be among Africa’s savviest and most innovative when it comes to tapping the unbanked market, which has helped them and their profits expand quickly in the past few years. And with a significant proportion of the market still unbanked, not to mention a relatively small number of mortgages in the country, there is still room for further growth.
Crisis forces regulation refocus in UAE
February 1, 2012The events triggered by the 2008 global financial crisis have ushered in a new wave of banking regulation in the United Arab Emirates and led to a greater focus on risk management. While UAE banks now boast some of the highest capitalisation levels in the world, the biggest challenge facing the sector as a whole is that of tightening liquidity.
Itaú BBA leads Brazil's international charge
February 1, 2012Itaú BBA International has outlined a new strategy that leverages both its global presence and its Latin American expertise. Its head of corporate banking for North America, Europe and Asia, Renato Lulia-Jacob, explains why in an increasingly globalised and competitive market, the bank has chosen to position itself in this way.
