The UK and the US are taking very different regulatory stances, the former reverting to its characteristic light touch while the latter is taking a heavy-handed approach, but both regimes are driven by political considerations rather than market needs and are therefore at risk of damaging their respective banking systems.
Making a show of crisis management
October 11, 2013While the likelihood of a US default remains low, banks are still having to go to great lengths to show that they are prepared for a possible default scenario.
Technology isn't the only way to improve customer experience
October 7, 2013High-tech innovation in banking is all very well, but before banks invest too much time and energy in technology, they need to make sure that the banking products and services themselves are user-friendly.
The people leading the IMF
October 1, 2013The Banker profiles six senior figures at the International Monetary Fund, and looks at the ways that they are changing and improving the institution's policies, strategy and reputation.
The people behind the World Bank
October 1, 2013The Banker profiles four senior figures at the World Bank, looking at their most significant achievements to date, as well as their goals and ambitions for the future.
The bonus system has a lot to answer for
September 30, 2013Bonus systems encourage and reward a focus on short-term gains at the expense of the bigger, long-term picture.
The dangers of a shadow payments market
September 24, 2013The increase in unregulated and unmonitored mobile and internet payments brings with it serious risk.
Sibos reveals the true picture of the transaction banking world
September 16, 2013As Sibos 2013 gets under way, Brian Caplen – who will host panel discussions at the event on September 16 and 19 – looks at the themes set to dominate proceedings this year.
Misguided asset sales heap further punishment on European taxpayers
September 9, 2013There is no logic to the EU rules that force banks that received state bail-outs to commit to costly restructurings, as ultimately it is the taxpayers that lose out. Again.
Counting the (legal) cost of the crisis
September 2, 2013The legal action that has been taken against banks since the crisis has added a whole new dimension to the way in which they go about their business.