The problems faced by Moldova's banking sector are not performance related, but instead are deeply rooted in a lack of transparency in banks’ shareholder structures. After opaque shareholder changes in the country's two largest banks in 2013, authorities are working on a resolution.
Investors face fresh interest rate challenge
July 1, 2014Since interest rates dropped to record lows in both the US and UK, investors have been anticipating their rebound and picking their investments accordingly.
Reforms bring challenges for Germany’s public banking pillar
July 1, 2014Caught up in European regulation, Germany’s public banks are trying to adapt to new challenges. Across all three banking pillars in the country, financial institutions are particularly struggling with increased competition in retail banking and low profitability.
Commerzbank seeks to hit 2016 targets
July 1, 2014Commerzbank has had a difficult few years, but with a vigorous cost reduction programme helping the bank meet some of its 2016 strategy targets early, those within the bank have high hopes that the German lender has turned a corner.
Top 1000 World Banks – Western Europe shows capital and recapitalisation trend
June 30, 2014HSBC holds on to the top position in western Europe, while the aftermath of the eurozone crisis shapes much of the rest of the list.
Top 1000 World Banks – Sales bring changes in CEE but Russia still rules
June 30, 2014Little has changed at the top of the central and eastern European ranking, where Russian lenders still dominate, but sales and takeovers have caused a reshuffle further down the ranking.
Top 1000 World Banks – Chinese banks dominate net interest income gains
June 30, 2014When it comes to net interest income, Chinese banks dominate yet again in the 2014 Top 1000 World Banks ranking.
A glimmer of hope for Bosnia's banks
June 2, 2014The complicated geographical and political make-up of Bosnia-Herzegovina, combined with its struggling economy and low purchasing power, makes life difficult for its overcrowded banking market. However, hope is on the horizon as economic growth picks up and looming elections bring promise of a more investor-friendly financial system.