Latest articles from Western Europe

Tech strategies for Caixa Galicia’s big switch-over

July 4, 2005

To make the radical change from selling products to services, Jose Valino, CIO at Spanish savings bank Caixa Galicia, uses consultants wisely and co-operates with other banks on technology development. He tells Dan Barnes about bridging the gap between the business and IT departments and helping customers to understand the new systems.

Too much of a good thing?

July 4, 2005

The UK’s Financial Services Authority has set the template for regulation around the world but it has recently come in for criticism from politicians and market players for overdoing the red tape. How justified are the claims? asks Nick Kochan.

Never mind the shirt, watch the shares

July 4, 2005

Having rewritten Lloyds TSB’s poor growth story, CEO Eric Daniels now wants to strengthen the bank’s franchise, he tells Karina Robinson.

Decade of daring deals puts DrKW in pole position

June 6, 2005

This year is the 10th anniversary of the jumbo pfandbrief. Famous for its security, its past is more chequered than you would imagine. Edward Russell-Walling talks to Dresdner Kleinwort Wasserstein, which has been a top three player since the market started.

Greek banks turn attention to Turkish market

June 6, 2005

Greek hesitancy to invest in Turkey’s financial sector is set to change, according to senior Greek and Turkish bankers who attended an inaugural joint meeting in Athens in May under the umbrella of the Washington-based Institute of International Finance, the global association of financial institutions.

Regulator raids concert party

June 6, 2005

Italy’s stock market watchdog has crashed the Bank of Italy’s bid to block ABN AMRO’s takeover of Banca Antonveneta, reports David Lane.

Italians hedge bets with upmarket fund

June 6, 2005

Italian banking may be looking slightly tarnished and inward-looking after the Antonveneta affair (see article on Italy), but away from the limelight individual Italian banks are advancing their international presence.

Bank of Italy topples off its puppet-master’s pedestal

June 6, 2005

Takeover struggles for two Italian banks have laid bare the Bank of Italy’s powerful tinkering in the banking system as the country’s watchdog and the EU pull their mightier legal rank.

Botín earns her spurs at Banesto

June 6, 2005

Banesto chairman Ana Patricia Botín tells Karina Robinson that the bank’s independence is vital for keeping revenues up.

Close to customers

June 6, 2005

Spain’s cajas – non-profit making savings banks – are thriving and have considerable clout in terms of market share. 

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