Citi CEO Vikram Pandit talks to The Banker editor Brian Caplen about the bank's profitable performance over the past 18 months, its cultural difficulties in Asia, how it will cope with Basel III and Dodd-Frank, and where the bank's future growth will come from.
Vickers report is harsh but necessary
October 3, 2011Bankers have been vocal in their opposition to the recommendations from the Independent Commission on Banking's final report, with some threatening to leave the country if regulation becomes too severe. But in economies where the financial sector has the potential to bankrupt the entire country, regulators are right to protect the economy.
Guy Verhofstadt: EU members must pull in the same direction
September 1, 2011The EU has lost its way. Only by reverting to its original intention – of pooled sovereignty with all members pulling in the same direction for the greater good – can it get begin to recover from the crisis that currently engulfs it.
Eastern Europe grows while the west stagnates
September 1, 2011Newer EU member countries in central and eastern Europe are notable for their performance in terms of returns and growth, as The Banker's Top 200 EU Banks ranking shows.
Long-term funding holds key to Brazil's future economic stability
June 30, 2011Brazil is undergoing a renaissance, with its improving standards of living and a consumer credit boom. The next challenge is to secure longer-term funding for the fledgling mortgage market and reduce interest rates.
Petrobras eyes euro and sterling markets
June 30, 2011Brazilian oil company Petrobras is planning to take advantage of the changing world order in currency terms by reducing its reliance on the US dollar in favour of the euro and sterling markets.
Brazil’s stock exchange plays catch up
June 30, 2011Previously reliant on their own resources or bank loans to raise capital, companies in Brazil are now recognising the benefits of listing. But it will take a while before the country's stock exchange catches up with others around the world.
The rise of China's banks goes on and on
June 30, 2011The rise of China's banking sector shows no signs of abating in this year's Top 1000 World Banks ranking, with the highest movers table dominated by financial institutions from the country.
BTG Pactual riding high on Brazil's economic strength
June 1, 2011Armed with new capital, BTG Pactual has been busy deal-making this year under the direction of CEO Andre Esteves.
Ghana's finance minister plans to spend oil wealth wisely
May 4, 2011Ghana's finance minister Kwabena Duffuor tells Brian Caplen how he is taking measures to ensure that his country's new oil wealth is spent on securing its long-term economic prosperity.