Banks in emerging markets appear to run greater risks to achieve greater returns. But they may just be more conservative in assessing their risks.
Asia-Pacific
Latest articles from Japan
Mitsubishi UFJ-Morgan Stanley joint venture takes shape
December 1, 2011Morgan Stanley's joint venture in Japan with Mitsubishi UFJ Group has been criticised by competitors as a concession to MUFG for its huge investment in the US bank at the height of the financial crisis. However, Jonathan Kindred, CEO of MSMS, one of the companies formed by the joint venture, is adamant that the long-term benefits of the move will prove the critics wrong.
Asian growth story evades Japanese banks
December 1, 2011Japan's banks recorded unremarkable increases in profitability and returns over the past year, yet the country's big players have maintained their prominence within the global rankings, suggesting that their disappointing performance is part of a wider global trend. But with the data from the months following the disasters of March 2011 yet to be revealed, the performance of Japan's banks could yet take a further hit.
Is Nomura running out of time?
November 1, 2011With its acquisition of Lehman Brothers' non-US operations, Nomura made an audacious bid to join the global investment banking elite. Little did it know that its bold move would coincide with the worst economic and financial environment for the best part of a century. However, its senior management believe that if they hold their nerve, the gamble can still reap the rewards they originally expected.
Japan still integral to Asian and global economic progression
September 1, 2011Moves to establish economic communities in Asia are gathering pace. Atsushi Saito, president and CEO of the Tokyo Stock Exchange Group, explains why Japan will be a leader in any such regionalisation.
Shinsei Bank leads Japan's return to profit
June 30, 2011Shinsei Bank in Japan is back in the black thanks largely to its newly appointed president, Shigeki Toma, who has shifted the institution away from non-core sectors, and towards emerging industries and a new customer base at home and abroad.
Japanese banks show signs of recovery
June 30, 2011The past few Top 1000 rankings have been characterised by a decline in the Japanese banking sector. However, figures for this year – taken before devastating earthquake hit the north-east of the country – show a reversal in fortune for Japan's banks.
The wider impact of Japan's nuclear crisis
June 1, 2011The earthquake in Japan in March inevitably forced short-term changes in the country’s energy consumption, but the long-term implications for energy and other commodities are far-reaching.
The nuclear policy debate after Fukushima
June 1, 2011The accident at Japan's Fukushima nuclear plant in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake and tsunami has led many countries to slow down or cease their nuclear energy programmes.
The Bank of Japan must wake up and act
December 23, 2010The Japanese central bank must use its unique position within the country's political system to eradicate entrenched thinking and kick-start its stagnant economy. Writer Charles Smith