Next in the regulatory sights of the UK Financial Services Authority is the private equity market. It will almost inevitably lead to a tightening of the rules, writes Michael Imeson.
Western Europe
Latest articles from Western Europe
Reasons to THINK small
January 8, 2007As long as rich people want small banks that can offer a personalised service, institutions like Hoare & Co will thrive. CEO Alexander Hoare talks to The Banker.
ANDORRA
December 4, 2006
Crèdit Andorrà
Crèdit Andorrà has had a rewarding year. Its consolidation strategy in the personal, private and commercial banking divisions and the increased product offering resulted in a profit growth of more than 40%, breaking a sequence of flat profits in the previous two years.
KBC benchmarks its way to efficiency
December 4, 2006Stephen Timewell discovers how the Belgian bank improved the efficiency, productivity and client-facing time of its sales network.
A whale of an undertaking
December 4, 2006Karina Robinson interviews Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa, Italy’s minister of economy and finance, the man tasked with the unenviable job of reeling in the nation’s budget deficit.
Sewing the seeds of global growth
December 4, 2006Bert Heemskerk, chairman of Rabobank, tells Stephen Timewell about the Dutch bank’s programme of overseas expansion with a food and agricultural bias.
Microstate with macro ambitions
December 4, 2006David Lane reports on the tiny state of San Marino’s bid to take on the likes of Ireland and Luxembourg.
Is private equity the medicine that Germany’s banks need?
November 6, 2006Private equity investors entering the world of Germany’s public sector banks could provide a shot in the arm for the country’s traditional three-pillar banking system. Joanne Hart reports.
Stock exchange turns in a star performance
November 6, 2006At 150 years old, Spain’s stock exchange holding company, BME, is powering ahead to the top rankings of the world’s bourses while speculation continues over its future as an independent exchange. Jules Stewart reports.
A reformed and financed Turkey must not slip the EU’s grasp
November 6, 2006There is a strong resurgence of EU banks investing in Turkey. At a time when clashes of religions and secular systems are a concern worldwide, Turkey is an important example of what can be achieved.