Banks in Azerbaijan have been remote from the global financial market turmoil but are readying themselves for a fall in economic output at home, due to the country's reliance on oil revenues. Writer Michael Imeson
Tonio Fenech
July 7, 2009
Tonio Fenech, minister of finance, economy and investment of Malta
Malta has benefited from adopting the euro and its economy is doing better than many others in the eurozone, says its minister of finance, economy and investment, Tonio Fenech. Writer Michael Imeson
Lawrence Gonzi
July 7, 2009Dr Lawrence Gonzi, prime minister of Malta
Malta might be tiny but it is determined to make itself heard on the world stage. Dr Lawrence Gonzi, prime minister of Malta, explains how. Writer Michael Imeson
Reg Rage: US Treasury to shake up finance rules
July 7, 2009A plan to create a new system of financial regulation in the US has just been announced. Bankers are already pleading for some of the proposals to be modified. Writer Michael Imeson
The IT route to business excellence
July 7, 2009Integrated applications and centralised processing are essential for modern, efficient banking. But how easy is it to achieve these technological and operational goals, which if done properly can transform the business? This was the key issue debated at a series of round table lunches hosted by The Banker and FT Global Events recently in Jordan, Portugal and Azerbaijan. The round tables were sponsored by Oracle Financial Services Software but independently edited by The Banker.
Controlling costs, Keeping customers
July 7, 2009Financial services providers are looking for better ways to manage their customer operations, with outsourcing on the list of options. This was the topic for discussion at a recent round table organised by The Banker and sponsored by Transcom Worldwide, a provider of outsourced business processes
Reg Rage: EU to cut hedge funds down to size
June 4, 2009EU policymakers have sharpened their shears and launched an attack on hedge fund managers and other alternative investment fund managers. Writer Michael Imeson
Gold securities trading, the Islamic way
June 4, 2009
Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DMCC's executive chairman
Investors in the Middle East can now buy a gold exchange-traded commodity that complies with Islamic law. Writer Mike Imeson
Bright vision in a gloomy climate
May 5, 2009Abu Dhabi's second Islamic bank was launched almost a year ago, just before the global financial crisis hit the Middle East. Despite this Al Hilal Bank continues to expand. Writer Mike Imeson
Reg Rage: G-20 bullies Swiss bankers into submission
May 5, 2009Switzerland has just caved in to pressure from the big economic powers and relaxed its banking secrecy laws. Some fear this is the beginning of the end of its long tradition of client confidentiality. Writer Michael Imeson