Citi launched a new division at the end of last year to combine prime finance, futures and clearing, custody, and fund services. Its global head, Okan Pekin, discusses why the change will put Citi ahead of its rivals and how it will enable the bank to win more business from hedge funds.
Latest articles from Paul Wallace


What now for investment banks?
October 1, 2014Investment banks have experienced huge changes since the global financial crisis and are still struggling to adapt their business models. But while the industry might have to make do with much lower returns in future, it is far from being on its knees.

Down but not out: Ecobank enters a new phase
September 1, 2014Ecobank’s reputation took a battering last year as it became mired in a well-publicised corporate governance crisis. Its new chief executive, Albert Essien, has restored some calm, and he tells Paul Wallace how he hopes to make the kind of returns that will entice more international investors to buy its stock.
Mozambique CBG strives for financial sophistication
August 1, 2014Central bank governor Ernesto Gove is bullish about Mozambique’s economic prospects, but acknowledges that the banking sector and capital markets need to be developed for the country to truly benefit from its energy boom.
Mozambique stands on the brink of economic transformation
August 1, 2014Mozambique’s recently discovered gas and coal reserves have turned it into one of Africa’s brightest prospects. However, plenty of reforms will be needed before its riches trickle down to the poorest parts of the population.

CBG focuses on keeping Rwanda steady
August 1, 2014Rwanda’s macroeconomic performance over the past decade has been impressive, and the central bank governor says that developing the country’s bond markets is crucial to ensuring that remains the case.
Rwanda’s banking sector heats up
August 1, 2014Business is picking up for Rwanda’s banks following 2013’s slowdown. But competition is becoming more intense as foreign banks increasingly look to enter the fast-growing east African country.

Oppenheimer Europe chief happy in the middle
August 1, 2014Although Oppenheimer Europe has grown its business substantially in the past five years, its chief executive, Max Lami, says the investment bank still wants to bulk up further in fixed income and mergers and acquisitions.
Banks adapt to the new world of structured finance
July 1, 2014New regulations are having a profound impact on structured finance and securitisation markets. But the bigger banks are mostly coping, with some even exploiting the situation to build their investor-advisory services.
Index-based structured products on the rise
July 1, 2014Index-based structured products have grown in popularity since the financial crisis, as investors have sought flexible and bespoke ways to gain exposure to certain assets. And while the threat of tougher regulation looms, bankers are confident it will not slow down the market.