Stagflation and high unemployment have led Iran to raise fuel prices – resulting in violent protests. But while US sanctions are not helping, Iran must tackle serious economic reforms, says the resident scholar of the Arab Gulf States Institute.

Banks that do business with Iran should bear in mind the legal, political, financial and reputational risks to both the company and its employees.

In the immediate aftermath of the signing of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran was looking forward to reaping the benefits of a sanctions-free future. However, major UK and EU banks are holding back on entering the country. James King examines why. 

Iran's potential – with its abundant natural resources, young and educated workforce, advantageous geographical location and emerging status as a tourism hub – can now be realised with the sanctions imposed against the country dropped. This is an opportunity that cannot be missed, writes Ali Taiebnia, the country's minister of economic affairs and finance.

The historic deal to end sanctions imposed by various Western powers upon Iran still has hurdles to clear, but already would-be investors are eyeing the country's rich potential.

From financially motivated cyber crime to politically influenced cyber warfare, the virtual threats to financial institutions are multiplying. Companies must respond by arming themselves against such attacks or else they risk losing their footing on the new digital battleground.

An Iranian economist reports from the country, telling how the targeted US and UN sanctions have delivered a huge blow to the country's economy, an economy that was already overly dependent upon oil revenues and reeling from years of mismanagement.

Emerging market growth is changing the strategy for the commodities business at the same time that tighter regulation is altering the relationship between banks, merchant traders and investment funds.