The largest state-owned banks still dominate the top of Russia’s banking system, but high returns, specialisation and consolidation in the private sector are creating signs of change.
Too soon to say goodnight Vienna
February 1, 2012The effects of eurozone deleveraging on central and eastern Europe should not be exaggerated, but certain countries look particularly exposed, especially in the Balkans. And the principles of European integration are under pressure.
Latam banks lead the liquidity league
January 25, 2012
Latin American banks dominate the rankings for deposits with the central bank, providing large liquidity cushions in their countries if needed.
Russian state bank dominance on the cusp of change
January 18, 2012
The market share of state-owned banks has grown at the top end of Russia’s banking sector, but private sector consolidation suggests this might be about to change.
Europe rotates the ratings messenger
January 3, 2012New European Commission proposals to force issuers to rotate ratings agencies every three years could lead to less stable and accurate ratings.
Remaking the eurozone
January 3, 2012Keeping Greece in and allowing massive European Central Bank intervention are the best ingredients for saving the eurozone. But the case for common eurozone bonds is less clear.
Are emerging market banks more transparent?
December 21, 2011
Banks in emerging markets appear to run greater risks to achieve greater returns. But they may just be more conservative in assessing their risks.
Mind the GAAP on bank leverage
December 8, 2011
US GAAP accounting standards may offer a misleading picture of leverage among five of the largest American banks relative to their European counterparts, because US banks net out derivatives exposure when calculating total assets.
Ireland’s sole survivor offers eurozone funding hope
December 1, 2011Bank of Ireland avoided nationalisation against the odds, and has even managed to obtain wholesale funding via bilateral transactions. BoI group treasurer Sean Crowe explains the formula.
World
/ Western Europe
/ UK
Vickers gives bank treasurers a splitting headache
December 1, 2011Some UK bankers are warning that ring-fencing deposits in the largest banks will drive up capital and funding costs. However, there are those, including some major investors, who claim that the opposite may turn out to be true.