Barclays has a rich history in Africa, which makes its recent announcement of a retreat from the continent all the more surprising. While new CEO Jes Staley has been diplomatic in explaining the reasons behind this exit, the topic of over-zealous regulation dragging down global banks is again coming under the spotlight.
Latest articles from Brian Caplen
Can Brazil's BTG Pactual win back its reputation?
March 1, 2016After BTG Pactual's chief executive, André Esteves, was arrested – if not charged – late last year, the bank’s managers were quick to limit any reputational damage, which included embarking upon a new strategic direction. Brian Caplen charts a turbulent few months for the lender.
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Will a Brexit see the City of London crumble?
February 22, 2016As the UK announces a June referendum on the country's EU membership, banks based in the City of London are looking on nervously. Brian Caplen assesses at the potential impact of a Brexit on the Square Mile.
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It's time for the financial markets to hit the reset button
February 12, 2016The current volatility in markets stems from the policies brought in in the immediate aftermath of the financial crisis. These have now served their purpose, says Brian Caplen, and it is the time for the banking world to move on, unencumbered by red tape, QE and low interest rates, much as it could before 2009.
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Keeping the dividends: why banks must spend spare cash on technology
January 26, 2016Bank shareholders disappointed by poor dividend returns in recent years are set for further anguish, according to a report from Oliver Wyman, which says any excess cash should be spent on upgrading technology in order to compete with fintech disruptors.
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Social impact investing: doing good and making money
January 19, 2016As cash-strapped governments continue to tighten their belts, 'social impact investing' – in which the wealthy fund schemes or projects that benefit society but also provide a return – is becoming more and more appealing.
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Will India be 2016's bearer of good news?
January 11, 2016Two-thousand and sixteen ushered in an uncertain economic climate in many parts of the world, but the prospects for India look strong. However, the country must keep spending in check and continue along its reform path if it is to remain 'the last BRIC standing'.
French banks' diverging paths
January 4, 2016That French banks have come through the crisis in relatively good shape is clear. So why can't analysts agree on their outlook as they front up to the changing regulation and the challenges of the digital age?
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Greece can no longer count on the IMF
December 17, 2015The International Monetary Fund could be hamstrung by new rules, leaving the European Commission and Central Bank to sort out further problems in Greece.
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If only White House nominees would pause for thought
December 7, 2015US presidential favourite Hillary Clinton's recent diatribe calling for further regulatory burdens and fines to be imposed on banks are the last thing the finance industry needs in the aftermath of such a turbulent few years. A spell of reflection would be much more beneficial all round.