An internationally agreed upon bankruptcy code, a global regulatory framework that allows banks to grow, less reliance on technology and a stronger focus on risk management are the key actions that must be taken in light of the past two years. Interview by Silvia Pavoni.

The no-nonsense style of France’s finance minister has won her many admirers. She tells The Banker of how she intends to tackle the hardest task of her tenure, that of regulating France and Europe’s post-crisis banking landscape. Writer Silvia Pavoni

The severe slowdown of international trade flows and trade financing during the global crisis have impacted heavily on the export-dependent Latin American economies, yet there are signs that the market is starting to pick up.

Although the pre-tax profits of Latin American banks have slipped, Tier 1 capital figures have grown by 14% and Brazil has firmly held onto its regional dominance. Writer Silvia Pavoni

The threat of an exodus away from today's leading Western financial centres looms as regulators draw up measures to reduce systemic risk, and the appeal of tax havens and expanding Asian centres rises, Writes Silvia Pavoni.

A recent survey by IFAC/The Banker revealed that although lending to small and medium-sized enterprises slowed down in the first half of 2009 as banks tightened security measures, a cautious increase in activity can be expected over the next few years. Silvia Pavoni reports.

The impact of the financial crisis has been felt particularly hard in the wealth management industry, where client trust is low, the appetite for risk has disappeared, and customers are expecting frequent and time-consuming reassurances from their wealth managers. Writer Silvia Pavoni

Christopher Fawcett, CEO of Fauchier Partners
The European Commission's first draft for its directive on alternative investment fund managers and overseas financial centres has brought about furious accusations of protectionism, anti-Anglo-Saxon bias and unnecessary meddling. Writer Silvia Pavoni

In true corporate fashion, many private companies are transforming the global water scarcity threat into an opportunity introducing new technology and financial products. Writer Silvia Pavoni.

Established financial centres still lead global rankings but their supremacy is under threat from a growing number of competitors from all over the world. By Silvia Pavoni Investment Editor.