Central banks
Downsizing and consolidation continues to be the trend in the EU banking sector
The ECB’s annual report on banking structures shows that consolidation remains the most important structural development in the EU banking sector.
Economic instability does not preclude banks from using IRB, finds FSI award winner
Valles’ paper on using a TTC rating system for credit risk allows developing countries to use IRB, even after a crisis.
Main challenge to sustainable growth is regulatory convergence, says vice-president of the ECB
Faster and sustainable growth may be hindered if the ultimate goal of regulatory convergence is not met, according Lucas Papademos.
The MiFID Threat
Thanks to compliance, many of the European Union’s smaller exchanges now face fresh competition.
Bush signs regulatory relief bill into law
The first regulatory relief bill for US banks in over a decade has been passed, although industry will push for more reforms next year.
Merrill Lynch launches its first retail structured note in Singapore
Merrill Lynch has launched its first equity-linked structured note for the retail market in Singapore. The Citrine Giant Booster Notes, provide investors with a fixed coupon linked to the performance of a basket of eight global blue chips.
Bank of China becomes CLS Group shareholder
Bank of China (BoC) has become the first Chinese bank with a shareholding in settlement provider CLS Group.
BIS: debt now bigger problem than inflation
4 October - The main structural threat to global economic growth is no longer runaway inflation, but a slower rebalancing of excess debt, according to a working paper released by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
BIS: debt now bigger problem than inflation
The main structural threat to global economic growth is no longer runaway inflation, but a slower rebalancing of excess debt, according to a working paper released by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
Exchange controls - Capital constriction
South Africa
Catching the wind
After a 20-year hiatus, the US wind power industry has grown rapidly in the past two years. Its future, however, depends on Congress drawing up clear, long-term legislation, finds Neil O'Hara
Upgrading the rating process
As the debate rages over the usefulness of credit ratings, Moody's unveils a set of credit risk indicators derived from market movements. Will 'market implied ratings' silence the agencies' critics? Nikki Marmery investigates
Upwardly mobile
Korea
Which STP service is the best fit for you?
Plugging in to STP
Greenspan's conundrum
Market graphic
Confusion reigns in spain over securitisation rules
A three-pronged law change passed at the back end of 2005 was meant to open up Spain's securitisation market but new issuance has not been forthcoming. Hardeep Dhillon reports on what's blocking the pipeline
Kevin Colglazier
The head of fixed income at Standard Asset Management in London, discusses the firm's activity in emerging markets
Briefs
Regulatory Updater
Pen-Sam
Practitioner profile
Feeling off-balance
Pension buy-outs