Four of Africa’s top five most profitable banking markets are in east Africa, with oil producing Ghana from west Africa completing the set.
Islamic banks underperform
November 16, 2011
Returns on assets for Islamic banks are lagging those of the conventional banking sector in many of the core markets for sharia-compliant financial services. But there are some notable exceptions where Islamic finance is proving more profitable.
Are CEE bank foreign ownership risks exaggerated?
November 8, 2011
Banking sectors in central and eastern Europe have some of the highest foreign ownership rates in the world, but risks from eurozone parents could be curtailed by deleveraging since 2008.
Interest income still dominates for top Japan banks
November 2, 2011
Nomura is one of the only major banking groups in Japan that does not rely on balance sheet lending to generate the bulk of its income.
Isbank chief builds solid foundations for tougher times
November 1, 2011Turkey’s largest bank, Isbank, enjoyed return on equity of almost 20% in 2010, but new chief executive Adnan Bali is preparing for any fallout from the eurozone crisis and tightening margins in the competitive domestic market.
Profit slide brings changing landscape in Azerbaijan
November 1, 2011Many of Azerbaijan's banks were hit by economic slowdown and falling real estate valuations in 2010, and there are signs that a significant shake-up of the sector is beginning.
Turkey fixes a regulator that isn’t broken
November 1, 2011Turkish financial regulators are widely credited with steering the sector successfully through the global financial crisis. So why is the government abolishing their independence?
Best prospects for Islamic finance outside core markets
November 1, 2011Several emerging markets with large Muslim populations combine low bank penetration and a high return on assets with a relatively small market share for Islamic banking, and thus provide further opportunities for growth in the Islamic finance sector.
How to reboot bank funding markets
November 1, 2011Deep uncertainty over sovereign debt exposures and new regulation has locked many banks out of the senior unsecured funding markets, leading to a frantic search for solutions.
Latin America leads the profits league
November 1, 2011Latin American banks show the highest returns of any region in the world, but there are some sharp variations within the region.