Turkey’s banks prepare to navigate the storm of a pending global economic downturn, buttressed by a surge in foreign investment and a strong currency. Yet political uncertainties cloud the future, writes Metin Demirsar in Istanbul.
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Portugal: the ones to watch
May 5, 2008Peter Wise reports on the Portuguese firms that are making a name for themselves on the international stage.
Shoring up the defences
May 5, 2008Just as the dust was settling on the chaotic attempted takeover of Banco BPI by Millennium BCP, the global credit crunch came along. Peter Wise reports on a tumultuous 18 months for Portugal’s banking sector.
Competitive clearing
May 5, 2008Competition and consolidation among exchanges, on both sides of the Atlantic, is reshaping the clearing models for exchange-traded derivatives, reports Frances Maguire.
All eyes on Asia
May 5, 2008Structured products are one of the few business areas on which banks still have a positive outlook – and the Asian side of the market is the busiest of all. Natasha de Terán reports on developments in Asia.
The world paper chase
May 5, 2008Market unrest has helped Asian investors to buy AAA rated paper from Europe at best-ever prices, yet there is growing competition from around the world, reports Michael Marray.
Morocco loans still strong
May 5, 2008Moroccan banks have achieved strong growth in their loan books in recent years. Bank Al-Maghrib, the central bank, reports that total credit in the banking sector grew 17.7% to Dh327,357m ($38,708m) in 2006, the last complete year for which figures are available, following on 2005’s 12.5% growth.
Reserves must be handled with care
May 5, 2008Latin America must make careful investment decisions to avoid wasting reserve accumulations on misguided projects, warns Enrique García.
Inflation casts shadow on EBRD meeting
May 5, 2008Eastern Europe’s growth spurt looks unsustainable in the light of spiralling inflation – a glum thought for the Kiev gathering.
A measure for sukuk
April 7, 2008The Libor is being used as a benchmark for the performance of sukuk but a more meaningful alternative may be needed, writes Joe DiVanna.