Thanks to shale drilling, the US is brimming with cheap gas and has turned itself into one of the world’s fastest-growing oil producers. Most analysts now expect it to be all but energy independent within 15 years, shattering mainstream assumptions from as recently as five years ago. The implications for global energy markets and geopolitics are profound. 

While The Banker's Top 1000 World Banks ranking published every July gives an insightful and unique snapshot of the state of the global banking market, our ranking of those banks featuring just below the ranking gives an excellent indication of the way in which the market is heading, and which countries and regions are on the rise.

Blamed for magnifying the effects of the financial crisis, credit derivatives may be given a boost by the post-crisis regulatory changes.

Libor has come under huge scrutiny since Barclays was fined for manipulating it. While few bankers believe it can be replaced, even its staunchest supporters say it needs to be reformed. But it is not obvious how. 

Even with good ratings and a global brand, US tobacco company Philip Morris was taking a risk issuing in the unpredictable Euromarket. It paid off, however, when the company recorded the lowest coupon for a corporate deal.

With the future of the euro being called into question and many developed economies struggling to grow, transaction banks are looking to take advantage of the opportunities arising from the internationalisation of the renminbi.