Latest articles from World

Foreign firms work India’s loopholes

August 1, 2005

Foreign banks that are keen to tap the potential of the under-penetrated Indian market are finding a variety of ways in, despite the barriers. Kala Rao reports.

Cross-border deal is clinched

August 1, 2005

The upgrade of Indonesia’s sovereign rating gave momentum to a ground-breaking securitisation transaction that could be followed by others in Asia.

Albania’s slow awakening

August 1, 2005

As the economy continues to expand, foreign banks are gradually moving into Albania, with growth in lending and consolidation. Kerin Hope reports.

UniCredit steals a march on the competition

August 1, 2005

Italy’s UniCredit has bolstered its presence in the ‘new Europe’ with its purchase of HVB. But, as Nick Spiro reports, integration will present it with a real challenge.

New EU minnow makes a splash

August 1, 2005

While the EU’s political and currency projects grind to a halt in many of the big states, Malta has just joined the ERM. Next stop, the euro. Michael Imeson reports.
The past few months have been tough for proponents of closer union in Europe. But in Malta, which joined the EU just over 12 months ago, the integration process continues.

Invoicing enters the digital age

August 1, 2005

Wendy Atkins looks at how the Nordic region is leading the charge in using and promoting innovative, cost-saving electronic invoicing systems.

Santander spots an overlooked opportunity

August 1, 2005

When Santander bought Abbey, not everyone agreed it was a good idea. But its strategy for turning around the ailing bank has proved the doubters wrong, as Brian Caplen reports.

‘Operation Big’ heralds the era of hybrid capital

August 1, 2005

Corporates’ historic avoidance of hybrid capital is giving way to enthusiasm following a change of heart by rating agencies. Now Sweden’s Vattenfall is leading the charge with a groundbreaking deal, structured by Citigroup. Edward Russell-Walling explains.

Pragmatism eases path to exchange

August 1, 2005

Slough Estates faced a few hurdles in its plans to replace old bonds with current-value new bonds. But, as Edward Russell-Walling recounts, the investors recognised a good deal when they saw it.

Philippine Banks

August 1, 2005

The Philippines did not suffer from the Asian crisis as badly as its neighbours. Ironically, the result has been a banking system that has taken longer to recover.
Many banks are still dealing with non-performing loans (NPLs) – arguably the highest in the region – that are about 10% of the system. Although down from their peak of 18% in 2001, a comparison with the 5% in 1997 is a better indication of what still needs to be done.

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