Latest articles from Melissa Hancock

Gulf sovereign wealth funds

Gulf SWFs look to move with the times

October 1, 2013

The Gulf’s sovereign wealth funds have grown in size and influence, adapting to market forces and taking advantage of the global financial crisis. But just how are they generating returns in the current economic climate?

Emerging markets look to SWFs for stability

October 1, 2013

A new generation of sovereign wealth funds – from resource-rich economies in Africa and Latin America – has emerged over the past few years. While these new funds are still relatively small, their impact could be sizable if they enable their source countries to secure stable economic growth and mitigate future risks associated with the booms and busts of the commodity cycle.

China quickens pace of renminbi internationalisation

October 1, 2013

The renminbi's slow move towards becoming a global currency has gathered momentum in the past 12 months, and with China's new premier signalling his intention to smoothen this process even further, the currency appears destined to achieve reserve status in the not-too-distant future.

Arab banks show clean bill of health

Top 100 Arab banks ranking, 2013: Clean bill of health

October 1, 2013

The Arab world has captured the wrong kind of attention in recent years as the Arab Spring uprisings and their aftermath have dominated global headlines. However, The Banker's Top 100 Arab Banks rankings show a banking industry that is well capitalised and well run.

Addressing the imbalance in the Chinese bond market

Addressing the imbalance in the Chinese bond market

October 1, 2013

The Chinese bond market must achieve greater diversity – of issuers and investors – if it is to facilitate the successful internationalisation of the renminbi, which requires the government to relax its rules on foreign participants, something it is already starting to do.

The renminbi keeps on moving

October 1, 2013

The extending of the QFII and the RQFII quotas in recent months demonstrate how the renminbi's liberalisation is developing at an impressive pace. However, authorities in the country appear keen to move things along even faster. 

Dubai climbs GTS ladder

Dubai climbs GTS ladder

September 2, 2013

As Dubai has grown, so has its role in the global transaction services industry, with the emirate now serving as the nerve centre of all trade taking place across the Middle East and north Africa. And as Dubai sets out its stall to become the next renminbi hub, this role only looks set to grow.

A stronger UAE seeks to learn from past lessons

A stronger UAE seeks to learn from past lessons

September 2, 2013

Investor confidence in the United Arab Emirates has returned to a position of strength, posting impressive profits on the back of GDP growth. However, the country's central bank is pushing through legislation to prevent a repeat of the mistakes that led to its economic collapse in 2009.

Top 250 EU Banks ranking: Few bright spots

September 2, 2013

Western European banks still dominate the EU bank rankings in terms of Tier 1 capital, with the UK's HSBC coming out on top. But, there is very little to celebrate, with many institutions recording losses and grappling with high non-performing loan ratios.

Middle East banks continue to take small steps forward

July 1, 2013

Slow but steady growth seems to be the order of the day for banks in the Middle East, with most countries in the region having something to cheer.

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