After years of unprofitability, the Portuguese banking sector is finally getting back on its feet. But, with the sale of Novo Banco by the Bank of Portugal still outstanding and other lenders vulnerable to takeover, the sector may not be out of the woods yet.
The spark amid a slump: Will Angola's banks emerge from oil price dip stronger?
June 1, 2015The Angolan banking sector has been hit hard by the oil price slump, adding to concerns about systemic loan book weakness. However, a tough new asset quality review should improve matters, as should the expansion of the country's capital markets.
Portuguese banks weather the storm
April 1, 2015Portugal’s banks may be battling an economic downturn and the after-effects of the Banco Espírito Santo collapse, but they are still preparing for a return to profitability.
On the up: but is Portugal's economic recovery here to stay?
April 1, 2015Portugal has endured a painful economic rescue programme following its bail-out, but now markets are slowly recognising that the country's economy has bottomed out and growth is forecast.
Banco Espírito Santo exposes frailty of eurozone
August 1, 2014Concerns over the health of Banco Espírito Santo, Portugal's largest listed bank by assets, set familiar-sounding alarm bells ringing across Europe. While short-term fears over the lender's future have been allayed, its ownership structure and ties with its parent company are coming under increasing scrutiny.
A leaner look for Portugal's banks
April 1, 2014Portugal's banks have undergone a radical transformation in the past few years, emerging from the country's economic crisis better capitalised, leaner and more efficient than ever. Profitability, however, is yet to recover.
Portugal seeks to make a clean break
April 1, 2014In the three years since its bail-out, Portugal has impressed many onlookers with its efforts to turn its economy around. Now it is on track to make a clean exit from its rescue programme in May, but the question is will the progress made over the past three years continue?
Retail investors lead Portugal back to market
April 2, 2013Portuguese corporates began to re-access bond markets via retail distribution in 2012, paving the way for banks and the sovereign to return to Eurobond markets by early 2013.
A turning point as Portugese banks seek growth
April 2, 2013Portugal's banks have solved capital shortfalls and improved their funding positions, but finding sustainable sources of loan and revenue growth is proving more difficult.
Portugal's slow recovery continues
May 1, 2012Unlike their counterparts in Ireland and Spain, banks in Portugal are the victims rather than the perpetrators of the country's debt crisis. This should put them in a good position to recover, but limited access to funding and increasing capital ratio requirements are forcing them to change their previously profitable business models.