SMEs are often cited as the backbone of any given developed economy. However, in Europe in particular, a lack of financing from banks is stunting the growth of these businesses. Alternative lending models are rising in prominence, and some banks are looking to up their game in this sector, but is this too little, too late?
Western Europe
Latest articles from Western Europe
EU bonus rules fail to cap risks
May 28, 2013The EU is set to cap bonuses at 200% of basic salary, but there is no evidence that this will improve risk-taking behaviour in investment banking.
A good time to start a new bank in the UK?
May 28, 2013The UK's financial regulators are seeking to encourage more competition in the country's banking sector by making it easier to establish a new bank, but there are non-regulatory barriers as well.
Never mind the banking union in Europe
May 28, 2013A European banking union means little unless there is greater consultation on the regulation of cross-border banking groups between home and host nations, and not just in Europe.
Hybrid debut powers National Grid investment plans
May 1, 2013UK utilities operator National Grid made a highly successful debut in the hybrid market to finance large investment needs without jeopardising its credit ratings.
Citi capitalises on corporate hybrid recovery
May 1, 2013Growing risk appetite and low interest rates have ushered in a revival of the market for corporate hybrid bonds in Europe since the start of 2013, with Citi's new products team participating in many of the recent issues.
A changed role for the classic investment banker at UBS
May 1, 2013UBS undertook one of the more radical post-crisis changes of strategy in 2012, and its head of European advisory, James Hartop, explains how the new structure enables his team to move beyond pure merger and acquisition work.
Getting personal: the big business of mobile marketing
May 1, 2013Personalised and location-based marketing tactics could be a catalyst for higher usage of mobile payments and could, in turn, unlock new business approaches.
Turkey's banks embrace the digital generation
May 1, 2013In Turkey, banks have stopped talking about alternative delivery channels. They consider all channels – including branches, ATMs and mobile – a core business, and this rise in digital banking is spurring competition and, as a result, innovation.