Swedbank has broken the ice by issuing the first social bond among Nordic banks. Could this be a turnaround for the asset class?
Western Europe
Latest articles from Western Europe
Six months after SVB collapse, ‘banks need a new playbook’
September 22, 2023Despite the failure of Silicon Valley Bank, some banks are seeing deposits rise, including the UK’s ClearBank.
İşbank puts sustainability at heart of its operations
September 19, 2023Ahead of İşbank’s centenary celebrations next year, CEO Hakan Aran emphasises the focus on social responsibility and environmental commitments, and outlines what the bank of the future will look like.
How banks can better anticipate and support vulnerable customers
September 12, 2023With talk of an ‘FQ’ for measuring financial literacy, and improving AI and data analysis tools, can banks become more proactive than reactive?
Is socio-economic background a new key concern in UK financial services?
September 4, 2023UK financial services regulators will publish a Consultation Paper to drive diversity and inclusion improvement in September — and socio-economic status is likely to be at its core.
APP scams: prevention benefits us all
September 1, 2023While reimbursement for APP fraud is generally regarded as a positive step, it is crucial to recognise the profound impacts that go beyond the mere restoration of funds.
How Greece’s Piraeus Bank solved its NPL problem
August 30, 2023Piraeus Bank’s market cap is now around €4bn, compared with €1bn just a year ago. CEO Christos Megalou says he is determined to do everything in his power to ensure it stays there.
High interest rates hinder AI adoption
August 25, 2023Banks on both sides of the Atlantic are struggling to invest in tech, but US lenders are at risk of falling behind.
Will the UK’s Consumer Duty improve customer perceptions of banks?
August 24, 2023The UK’s new Consumer Duty is bringing in new rules that should help to address the distrust and dissatisfaction that retail banking customers feel towards their banks.
Opinions differ on how to achieve net zero
August 16, 2023A Greenpeace report takes issue with the ECB’s net-zero actions.