News
Sovereign default the greatest threat: IMF
Sovereign default risk has soared and is the biggest threat to near-term stability, some segments of banking systems also present dangers
China’s oil demand rise won’t tighten global supply
China’s apparent oil demand rose by 12.8% in March this year, following the expansion of refining capacity and rapid growth in the Chinese economy, but this does not indicate that global supply will tighten, say analysts.
Europe jet fuel price recovering as flights resume after volcanic ash ban
The Europe-wide flight ban resulting from volcanic ash clouds has cost the jet fuel market 500,000 tonnes-worth of demand this month, with logistical congestion expected to remain until the end of the week.
Regulation places 'huge burden' on US community banks
American Bankers Association warns of growing burden of regulation on small banks
Why banks must prepare for a 'black ash' event
Erupting volcanoes do not often show up in scenario plans for financial services firms but they might do from now on.
Breaking up banks could increase instability, research finds
Banking systems with small numbers of large banks are more stable and less likely to undergo crises, according to World Bank and NBER economists.
Goldman criticised over CDO after SEC lawsuit
Goldman Sachs has been sharply criticised for arranging a synthetic collateralised debt obligation (CDO) at the centre of a lawsuit filed by the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) last week.
Whistle-blower calls for ban on local government derivatives use
Italian academic Gustavo Piga, who first identified the deceptive use of derivatives by one European state in 2001, believes local governments should be banned from using derivatives products.
Beware the ‘small print’ in transitions, says Moore at Russell Investments
Transition managers can fall through the cracks in regulation, says investment consultant’s Asia-Pacific chief
Asset owners increasingly switch on to transition risk issues
Financial crisis has been a ‘brutal awakening’ for Asian asset owners, say panel members at transition management event
MAS consults on changes to corporate governance framework
New roles and responsibilities for directors proposed as part of Singapore regulator’s response to the financial crisis