Feature
Repricing of sovereign debt would be an 'earthquake' for financial markets – chief economist
The chief economist at Independent Strategy, Bob McKee, explains why a repricing of sovereign debt and defaults of advanced economies would be “logical” outcomes in the next stage of the financial crisis.
Trading positions - September 2010
Energy Risk catches up with the latest appointments, promotions and departures in global commodity markets
Open source reaches risk analytics
Free for all
China bond laws 'a problem' for investors
Economic reforms in China have gathered pace in recent years. But the country’s bond markets remain hampered by significant structural problems, including state-administered interest rates and a murky legal system subject to government interference.
Repayment fears over China's local government debt
China’s local governments have channelled their debt through off-balance sheet financing vehicles that leave creditors little recourse to repayment in the event of default. Calls to reform this system could result in the formation of a municipal bond…
Tiger or pussycat? The emergence of China's sovereign wealth fund
Ever since its launch in 2007, China Investment Corporation, China’s sovereign wealth fund, has attracted widespread fear and suspicion. But its potential to move markets may have been overplayed.
Eurozone a 'slow-motion train wreck' – senior economist
Larry Brainard, chief economist at political risk consultancy Trusted Sources, argues that until Eurozone policymakers shift the emphasis of remedial action from sovereign debt and onto the banking sector, the region will continue to struggle.
Iraq woos bond investors as sovereign debt tightens
Iraq is beginning to open its doors again to international investors. With the country needing to raise capital to develop the infrastructure required to exploit its energy reserves, Credit looks at the role bond issuance could play in Iraq’s future.
Distressed debt expert sees opportunities from global recession
The head of special situations at Alcentra says distressed debt investors should head for Europe if the global economy slumps again.
Global economic imbalances may lead to 'bond trap' for investors
US-led efforts to rebalance the global economy are in danger of foundering on Europe’s fiscal retrenchment drive. The result, warn economists, may be a global bond trap, whereby surplus liquidity is channelled into safe government debt, freezing…
The UK revamp: What will get lost in the shuffle?
A new fraud-fighting body is being created as part of the UK government’s shake-up of financial regulation. Some welcome the proposed Economic Crime Agency, saying its integrated approach is just what is needed. Others worry valuable aspects of the old…
The challenges of central clearing
The challenges of central clearing
Risk Australia Rankings 2010: Tough at the top
The eurozone debt crisis and still-nervy stocks haven’t been enough to depress Australian derivatives markets, and competition has intensified over the last 12 months. Last year’s top two banks retain their hold – but they have a host of other dealers…
Pensions face RPI-CPI basis risk
Pension pricing peril
Confusion reigns over the US Dodd-Frank Act
Section 716 of the Dodd-Frank Act will force swap dealers to hive off certain derivatives businesses into separate affiliates. But the legislation is fiendishly complicated, riddled with oversights and requires daring interpretative leaps, which has left…
Eyes turn to Mongolia for commodities rush
Following a $3 billion investment agreement made for a copper-gold mine last year, and the recent tender for $10 billion of infrastructure investment, Mongolia seems to be the new land of opportunity, but there are risks. Alex Davis reports
Managed account platform gives new hope for investors seeking alpha in China
Currency restrictions, tight investment rules and concerns about asset segregation have made it difficult for foreign investors to gain alpha from mainland China investments. But a new managed account platform offering access to China ‘sunshine funds’…
Chris Page, ANZ: the risk goalkeeper
Chris Page, group head of risk management at ANZ, sees his role as ‘guardian of the balance sheet’ as first and foremost, but is also aware that sometimes he needs to stand his ground on risk issues, as he might be the last man standing between the bank…
Basel Committee revises proposals for capital charge on counterparty risk
The Basel Committee on Banking Supervision has adapted its proposals for a capital charge on counterparty risk following industry feedback, but banks were hoping supervisors would go further. By Mark Pengelly
Dealers ready their resources for Asia commodities push
The bounce in the commodities sector following the financial crisis put a number of dealers on alert about money-making opportunities in Asia. Many leading dealers are amassing their resources in the region, particularly in the physical arena. But do…
Risk Japan 2010: Stressing the risks
Speakers and delegates attending Risk Japan 2010 in June addressed some of the problems and challenges associated with forthcoming regulation as well as debating the latest advances in risk management practices, with significant emphasis placed on stress…
Bumpy ride for freight market
Bumpy ride
Credit rating agencies: A question of trust
Question of trust
Forward planning at M&S
Forward planning at M&S