Banks are supposed to be sitting on masses of data which, if they could put it to work, would be gold dust. In fact they need more data to do a proper job, writes Brian Caplen.
Latest articles from Brian Caplen
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When the internet is slower and costlier than the branch
August 15, 2017For all the talk about channel integration, banks have little in the way of back-up when online banking goes awry. The trusty branch – maybe shared by competitor banks – needs to play its part, writes Brian Caplen.
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How to stop robots seizing control of your bank
August 8, 2017In the Musk-Zuckerberg debate, artificial intelligence could either ruin or save the planet. In responding to the AI challenge, banks need to be aware of the risks, writes Brian Caplen.
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HSBC: the world’s regional bank?
August 1, 2017HSBC was started in Hong Kong and Shanghai in 1865 and grew into a global enterprise. But with 74% of profits now coming from Asia it seems to have come full circle, writes Brian Caplen.
ING’s disruptive model: interview with CEO Ralph Hamers
August 1, 2017These days, Dutch giant ING sees itself less as a bank and more as a technology player. CEO Ralph Hamers talks to Brian Caplen about short-term losses versus long-term gains, and why its new role models are Amazon and Facebook.
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Low interest and high debt – it must end badly
July 25, 2017Western households have binged on low-interest debt. Banks need to be ready for when it all goes south, writes Brian Caplen.
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Online credit checks – will they stay legal?
July 18, 2017Credit scoring using alternative data has been lauded as a way to end financial exclusion. But tougher data protection rules could bring everything to a halt, writes Brian Caplen.
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Why Africa’s sky-high returns are China-bound
July 11, 2017Banks in Africa have the highest returns on capital in the world, and the potential in other sectors is equally huge. But, writes Brian Caplen, China is so far ahead in the investment game on the continent that it may be difficult for rivals to catch up.
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UK challenger banks punch above their weight
July 4, 2017The Banker’s Top 1000 ranking shows how UK challenger banks are making better returns than the established players, writes Brian Caplen.
Top 1000 World Banks - Western Europe weakens as Asia surge continues
July 3, 2017While Asia-Pacific, western Europe and North America continue to account for 90% of the Tier 1 capital in the Top 1000, Asia is continuing to eat into western Europe's share. Brian Caplen reports.