The demands of the European Commission’s vision for the Single Euro Payments Area (Sepa) have become more urgent and rigid, leaving little room for commercial forces but as Frances Maguire reports, legislation may be the only way to achieve full Economic and Monetary Union.

Swati Bhide and Pavan Haldia explain how banks can minimise the technological costs associated with Single Euro Payments Area compliance.

The European Central Bank says Sepa will give banks a competitive edge but banks themselves beg to differ. They believe it may increase costs while cutting their revenues. Heather McKenzie reports.

Consolidation, interoperability and transformation of the EU’s disparate clearing infrastructure. Amarendra Gokhale explains what is really at stake in realising Sepa.

For the first time ever, The Banker publishes a Top 100 banks in China listing, demonstrating the country’s growing financial sophistication.

US exchanges are taking advantage of improving relations with China and clinching significant business deals. Jim Kharouf reports.

China is chasing energy and mineral resources in Africa, attracting criticism for its apparent willingness to deal with ‘despotic’ regimes. James Eedes examines whether this deepening relationship will prove a saviour or curse for the continent.

Thailand’s banks are riding out the political uncertainty left by the departure of prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra. Simon Montlake reports from Bangkok.

With most central bank reserves globally now held in Asia, demand for AAA unsecured bonds, covered bonds and even residential mortgage-backed securities will likely increase. Michael Marray looks at the opportunities for European borrowers.

Chinese banking has become something of a gold rush. But some newcomers may be too optimistic about their prospects of hitting a rich seam. Kazuhiko Shimizu investigates.
The stampede of foreign investors into China’s state-owned banking sector has all the aspects of a 21st-century gold rush: expectations of lucrative returns, competition for the best niches and plenty of risk.