Fortis chief executive Jean-Paul Votron tells Stephen Timewell how the bank is extending its reach through acquisitions, joint ventures and white-labelling – and plans to grow a global footprint.
Latest articles from Stephen Timewell
Tough targets for transformation
April 3, 2006Taiwan’s financial reform programme is addressing not only issues about China but the problems of a highly fragmented banking sector. Stephen Timewell reports from Taipei.
Rising above local problems
April 3, 2006Uncertainty in the Icelandic market has not perturbed Kaupthing Bank from pressing ahead with its expansion into Europe. Stephen Timewell reports.
In the people business
April 3, 2006Unicredit’s head of retail Roberto Nicastro explains why the bank’s cross-border strategy for its 19-country franchise won’t necessarily entail standardisation. He talks to Stephen Timewell.
Reality check for the Gulf
April 3, 2006The recent drop in Gulf stock prices gave everyone a shock. But, as Stephen Timewell reports, it appears to have been the correction of a maturing market and not the precursor to a regional slump.
Dormant but not forgotten
March 6, 2006Estimates put funds lying dormant in accounts at £1bn-£5bn for the UK alone. But the issue of how to identify this cash and what to do with it is far from straightforward, as Stephen Timewell explains.
Activity on the acquisition trail
March 6, 2006Lebanon’s top two banks have boosted profits and set their sights on regional and global expansion, despite political turmoil at home. Stephen Timewell reports.
KPMG REPORT
February 6, 2006
Branch Capital Attribution for Banks – A Survey of International Practice.
A survey finds that double and ‘less than single’ taxation of banks’ overseas networks persists, writes Stephen Timewell.
Window on the world
January 2, 2006Stephen Timewell traces eight decades of The Banker, which has reflected global historical changes through the years, and he profiles its founder, Brendan Bracken, whose influence is still felt today.
Walking, not running
January 2, 2006China’s rapid economic growth and transformation continues apace. But can its banks can keep up with such accelerated growth? Stephen Timewell reports.