Myanmar’s central bank has opened up the local market to international payment companies such as Visa and MasterCard. But how will they help modernise the payments sector and drive financial inclusion in this newly opened frontier market? Stefania Palma investigates.
Latest articles from Stefania Palma
China pulls into lead for green investment
February 1, 2017China is pulling ahead of Europe when it comes to investing in green projects, while president Donald Trump's scepticism towards climate change is risking the US's status in the field, author and professor Mariana Mazzucato tells Stefania Palma.
Can institutional investor and multilateral co-investment meet infrastructure needs?
January 3, 2017Risk-averse institutional investors have historically shied away from large-scale infrastructure investments in emerging markets, but new collaborations with multilateral institutions are now tempting public and private institutions into such projects. Stefania Palma reports.
State Bank of India’s roadmap to the Basel III deadline
December 1, 2016State Bank of India's chairman, Arundhati Bhattacharya, talks to Stefania Palma about how she plans to meet Basel III capital requirements in 2019, the bank's debut global coco bond and her enthusiasm for the Indian central bank's rate cut.
Vietnam’s long slog towards financial reform
December 1, 2016Having narrowly survived a financial crisis in 2011, Vietnam is rolling out reforms to tackle low capitalisation and high numbers of NPLs. But given that the country has yet to implement Basel II, will these reforms still leave the country's lenders playing catch-up? Stefania Palma reports.
Postal Savings Bank of China looks to overseas investment with jumbo IPO
November 1, 2016Postal Savings Bank of China has thrown its doors open to global investors with a jumbo Hong Kong IPO. While the share price has not moved much since the deal closed, the Hong Kong listing offers long-term benefits to the lender, which is eyeing potential business overseas. Stefania Palma reports.
Mongolia's flat economy leaves stock exchange in sleep mode
October 3, 2016As Mongolia's economy slows, the chief executive of its stock market, Bolor Munkhsaikhan, tells Stefania Palma about efforts to deepen local capital markets to help hedge against a volatile currency and to diversify corporate borrowing away from bank loans.
Agricultural Bank of China chairman takes rural route
October 3, 2016Agricultural Bank of China has an impressive record when it comes to serving the country's rural areas. Newly appointed chairman Zhou Mubing tells Stefania Palma why the bank is committed to building its reach within the 'sannong' areas.
Mongolia's banks stand strong amid economic turmoil
October 3, 2016Mongolia's floundering economy is hitting the country's banks' growth, profits and asset quality. However, unlike previous such crises the lenders are coping well thanks in no small part to their impressive capitalisation. Stefania Palma reports.
Can Mongolia break out of its boom and bust cycle?
October 3, 2016While it appears likely that Mongolia will need another IMF bailout, hopes are high that the newly elected MPP government's austerity package could introduce the transparency and fiscal reforms necessary to stabilise the economy for good. Stefania Palma reports.