Articles by John Ferry
Insurers prepare for M&A explosion
A number of drivers could push financial groups to dispose of life insurance assets in the near future. But a boom in M&A will also need buyers, which could prove difficult to find. By John Ferry
Best in Malaysia
CIMB Group
Technology provider of the year, Asia – Numerix
For its continued expansion in China and South Korea as well as its established business in Japan, Numerix is the Structured Products Technology Provider of the Year for Asia
Saying no to algos
A number of banks have launched algorithmic trading systems for foreign exchange, intended to provide more efficient execution for clients. But some question whether algorithmic models are actually needed in the highly liquid foreign exchange market. By…
German recovery faces constraints
A constrained recovery
Italy’s new structured products landscape
The collapse of Lehman Brothers, a bank that had produced massive amounts of index-linked products for the Italian insurance sector, left retail investors weary of structured investments and led to a big regulatory shake-up. What role can structured…
QIS 5 makes its mark
European insurers are gearing up to take part in Solvency II’s latest and final quantitative impact study. John Ferry assesses what the latest proposals suggest about the impact of the new regime
Dodd-Frank raises stakes in CFTC's push for energy position limits
With the Commodity Futures Trading Commission poised to implement position limits in energy markets, how will a dramatic expansion of the regulator’s power affect those plans? By John Ferry
Hopes grow for liquidity risk recalibration
Conservative concerns
Hedge fund investment back on pension funds' horizons
Pension schemes are again making allocations into hedge funds, despite the negative performance from many funds – and therefore correlation with underlying markets – throughout the financial crisis. So why the interest? John Ferry reports
Technology innovation
Structured Products Americas Awards 2010
Latin America House of the Year
Structured Products Americas Awards 2010
US Distributor
Structured Products Americas Awards 2010
Risk managers gain new prominence in post-Lehman boardrooms
Pre-Lehman, risk managers used to occupy a place some way down the pecking order within senior management of banks and investment firms. The financial crisis changed all that.
A return to domestic inflation
Activity in Europe’s domestic inflation derivatives markets dropped away after the collapse of Lehman Brothers. Now, dealers report buyers and sellers are starting to return. But there is likely to be less warehousing of risk by banks and a greater focus…
OTC shake-up likely as regulators mull centralised clearing
US legislators are pressing for reforms that will lead to a big shake-up in how over-the-counter derivatives are bought and sold. The question is how this will affect the structured notes market. John Ferry reports
Counting the cost of counterparty risk
A few years ago no-one worried about counterparty credit risk. Then a year ago that was all anyone cared about. As markets begin to settle down, the shake-up could have longer-term implications for the structured products market. By John Ferry
Surviving the fallout
As regulators rush to reassess international banking regulations, insurers are also at threat of seeing more stringent regulations imposed on them on the basis that they are systemically risky. But the industry is fighting back. John Ferry reports
Minor activity
Although South Africa is a major commodity producer, activity by local investors in commodities is minor compared with other markets. While there are efforts to stimulate greater interest, these are being hampered by foreign exchange controls.
AIFM could boost alternative structured pay-off market
The European Union's Alternative Investment Fund Management Directive, the proposed new set of rules for European hedge funds and private equity industries, could adversely boost the structured products market. John Ferry reports
The algorithm method
Algorithmic trading was once the preserve of the equity market, but is winding its way into foreign exchange trading. However, some question whether these services can be properly provided by dealers acting as principal. By John Ferry
Variable annuities: waiting for the next generation
A few years ago European insurers were issuing increasing numbers of guaranteed products that resembled structured notes. What scope is there for this type of business today? By John Ferry
ETNs poised for a comeback
Worries over counterparty credit risk stymied the development of the market for exchange-traded notes, but as those concerns recede and the products spread outside their home in the US, 2010 could be the year that the investments come into their own. By…