The IMF's quota system, the rise of other development banks, sluggish global growth, climate change, gender inequality, financial inclusion, Greece... The 'hot topics' that Christine Lagarde has had to contend with in her four years at the helm of the IMF are many. She tells Brian Caplen how the institution is tackling these issues.
Tseng Ming-chung, chairman of Taiwan’s Financial Supervisory Commission, is seen by many as the bringer of long-awaited deregulation and reform. Two years into his mandate, Mr Tseng gives The Banker an update on his strategy, which is already bearing fruit.
Reform-minded Natalie Jaresko has had a tough baptism in her role as Ukraine's finance minister. However, she is determined to demonstrate the safety of the country's banking sector and show that Ukraine is still an attractive investment destination, as she tells Stefanie Linhardt.
Jiang Jianqing, the chairman of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, explains how the largest bank in the world in capital, profits and assets is dealing with China’s economic slowdown, structural reforms and new privately owned, tech-savvy entrants in the banking sector.
The head of Colombia's stock exchange, Juan Pablo Cordoba, discusses the need for further capital market integration in the Andean region, and tells Silvia Pavoni how deepening its capital markets ties in with the country's wider economic plan.
Drops in oil prices have undeniably affected Malaysia’s economy. But minister of financial affairs Wahid Omar tells Stefania Palma how this was also a blessing to a country that is successfully diversifying its economy and government revenue sources through reforms such as the introduction of a goods and services tax.
Hungary has enjoyed stronger economic growth than many of its European neighbours in recent years, but the country's minister of economy Mihály Varga is wary of taking this success for granted, insisting that the country's long-term outlook hinges on a number of external factors, from the recovery of the eurozone to a resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Since Didier Valet took the helm at Société Générale’s investment banking operations much has changed. But Mr Valet is not one to rest on his laurels, with SocGen’s acquisition of Newedge presenting some particularly enticing opportunities.
The credit rating capabilities of peer-to-peer lending platform Zopa has proved to be more effective than those in many banks. Giles Andrews, the company's CEO, explains how the company has honed such technology and discusses the possibility of outsourcing it to banks.
Colombia stands on the brink of a peace deal with the FARC rebels, while its economy, buoyed by cycles of strong foreign investment levels and rising GDP growth, looks set to only get stronger. President Juan Manuel Santos tells Silvia Pavoni why the country's future looks brighter than ever.
Ecobank’s reputation took a battering last year as it became mired in a well-publicised corporate governance crisis. Its new chief executive, Albert Essien, has restored some calm, and he tells Paul Wallace how he hopes to make the kind of returns that will entice more international investors to buy its stock.
Since taking office as governor of the National Bank of Moldova in 2009, Dorin Drăguţanu has implemented the country’s first inflation-targeting policy, has seen interest rates on loans and deposits decline and has welcomed amendments to the law on financial institutions. He speaks to The Banker about challenges surrounding transparency in the banking sector and economic implications of the Russia-Ukraine crisis.