An ageing population and shrinking labour pool have put a strain on Singapore's economy, leading to calls for it to be restructured to raise productivity and bring about price stability. This will come through more productivity-led growth and a stronger focus on macroprudential policies.
Latest articles from Jane Cooper
Tackling Indonesia’s infrastructure tailback
December 2, 2013Chronic infrastructure problems have weighed down Indonesia’s economy and prevented it from achieving greater growth. But that looks set to change, with some of the major barriers removed and a number of projects already under way.
Bangladesh CBG puts words into action
November 1, 2013Bangladesh's central bank governor, Atiur Rahman, spent an academic career championing the cause of the country's poor. He is now – through the implementation of a number of socially responsible economic policies – putting his theories into practice, and with some success.
Bangladesh finance minister seeks middle ground
November 1, 2013Bangladesh’s finance minister talks to Jane Cooper about the country’s stable gross domestic product growth, achievements in tax revenues and why he is confident that Bangladesh will become a middle-income country in the next five years.
The optimism amid Bangladesh's challenges
November 1, 2013Bangladesh’s story of growth has been replaced by one of political instability and banking uncertainty, but local bankers remain upbeat about the country’s potential.
Banks see the silver lining in Japan's new demographic
November 1, 2013Japan's ageing population may be a burden on the country's younger generations, but the older population is proving to be a profitable target market for the country's banks, which are addressing the needs of this growing market segment with new products and services.
SEPA area migration approaches crunch time
November 1, 2013With the deadline for the Single Euro Payments Area looming, there is much speculation over who is actually ready to migrate, with many small and medium-sized enterprises lagging behind and businesses of all sizes struggling to implement systems for direct debits.
Top 100 China Banks ranking, 2013: Banks continue to flourish
October 1, 2013The Banker's ranking of China’s Top 100 banks shows the country's continued prosperity, with increases in Tier 1 capital almost across the board.
South Korea CBG looks to bridge international gaps
October 1, 2013Bank of Korea governor Choongsoo Kim tells Jane Cooper how he aims to bridge the gap at international meetings between emerging and developed economies, and how he plans to globalise South Korea’s central bank.
Capital markets play catch-up to South Korea’s real economy
October 1, 2013With South Korea's underdeveloped capital markets struggling under the growing weight of the country's rapidly expanding conglomerates, the pressure is on for the sector to evolve and mature – with the government, regulators and banks all taking steps to achieve this goal. But will new regulations and improved infrastructure be enough to transform the industry?