What now for investment banks?

Investment 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

Ecobank’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

Central 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

Mozambique’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

Rwanda’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

Business 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. 

Banks adapt to the new world of structured finance

New 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

Index-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. 

Finance minister looks to patch up Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe’s economy is on the verge of recession, with low consumer demand and a liquidity crunch putting its businesses under plenty of strain. Against this backdrop, finance minister Patrick Chinamasa tells Paul Wallace how he has started to rebuild its ties with multilateral lenders in a bid to access new credit. 

Top 1000 World Banks – Western European banks mount a comeback

Profits are up in the 2014 Top 1000 World Banks ranking, with much of the good news coming from the direction of western Europe. On a regional basis, however, Asia-Pacific still dominates.

Top 1000 World Banks – Emerging market banks perform strongly once again

As was the case in 2013 Top 1000 World Banks ranking, when it comes to returns on assets, African banks are the stellar performers.

Top 1000 World Banks – Africa’s biggest banks endure a tough year

South Africa's lenders, for so long the shining light in Africa's representation in The Banker's Top 1000 rankings, retain the top spots in the regional list but mostly with falls in their Tier 1 capital. The good news, however, comes from the direction of Morocco's financial institutions.

PTA's change in fortune

PTA Bank, one of Africa’s main development banks, was in crisis at the turn of the millennium. But it has since turned itself around and boosted its capital base, meaning that its chief executive is confident in saying that it is finally able to fulfil its role of fostering regional trade in eastern and southern Africa.

South African CBG toes a fine line

South Africa’s central bank governor Gill Marcus faces the tricky task of curbing inflationary pressures while trying not to damage the country’s weak economy. Whether or not she succeeds will depend to a large extent on factors outside her control.

Angola's CBG reforms his way to stability

Angola’s central bank has carried out a wave of reforms in recent years to improve its monetary policies and modernise the banking sector. And its governor, José de Lima Massano, says there is still more to come.

Reforming Angola's macroeconomy

Angola’s government has been praised for its macroeconomic reforms of recent years, but more are needed to accelerate economic diversification, and public financial management still needs to be strengthened.