Citi's head of G-10 rates, risk treasury and finance, Andrew Morton, has pulled the previously disjointed business together since his appointment in 2008, and this cohesive approach has been rewarded with a clutch of happy clients and strong positionings in the rates league tables.
A window of opportunity for bank funding
March 1, 2012The European Central Bank's long-term refinancing operation has given bank funding – which crept along at a snail's pace in the second half of 2011 – a shot in the arm. But has it provided a long-term fix?
ECB's game-changer breathes new life into DCM
March 1, 2012Few could have predicted the start that debt capital markets have made to 2012, with the European Central Bank's long-term refinancing operation breathing new life into the sector, providing a bonanza for sovereigns, corporates and high yield alike. However, the continuing problems within the eurozone still cast a shadow over the markets.
Fatca details get muted response
March 1, 2012The US's Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or Fatca, was widely criticised when it was enacted by Congress in 2010. Newly proposed regulations have brought with them some concessions, as well as an intent among some European countries to share this approach, meaning that the act is here to stay.
Using a sledgehammer to crack a nut
February 1, 2012In response to a request from the European Commission, a recent consultation paper from the European pensions body looks at ways the proposed Solvency II directive for insurers could be applied to occupational pensions. Many in the industry see far more problems than solutions in its application
Equity businesses prepare for a bloody 2012
February 1, 2012With a miserable reporting session at the start of 2012, equity bankers are expected to bear the brunt of it with widespread bloodletting predicted in the business. However, some senior figures argue that consolidation in the equity sector is long overdue, with overcrowding pushing down margins to unsustainable levels.
Eurozone problems weigh heavily on equity capital markets
February 1, 2012As the eurozone crisis rattles equity capital markets, equity bankers and investors are being forced to anticipate the actions of politicians. But with a host of deals carried over from the fourth quarter of 2011, there may still be scope for an increase in activity in 2012.
Banks face big adjustments on capital and liquidity
January 3, 2012The combined and cumulative effects of new regulations and a hostile market environment means banks are fighting to build both capital and liquidity. Many questions remain about banks' ability to do both, and the effects of doing either on economic growth.
Banks nervously await outlook of new financial landscape
January 3, 2012The convergence of regulatory, government and economic forces on the financial sector is unprecedented. If much of the detail has yet to be determined and substantive differences between national authorities still exist, one thing that is certain is that the financial services industry will look very different in a few years' time.
Keep emotions out of central banking
January 3, 2012The head of the Bank of France suggests that before reducing France's AAA rating, agencies should consider downgrading the UK. But has pride gone before a falling French rating?
