From collaborative software development to running risk calculations on lightning fast graphics chips, IT teams from all corners of the banking world have proven more inventive than ever over the past 12 months. The Banker's Innovation in Banking Technology Awards celebrates those behind the industry's brightest ideas.
From revamping the humble ATM to eradicating time-consuming coin transactions, the banking world's technology teams have surpassed themselves over the past 12 months when it comes to problem solving and money saving. The Banker's Innovation in Banking Technology Awards celebrates those behind the industry's brightest ideas.
Before 2008, economic policy paralysis had largely prevailed in Côte d'Ivoire since an attempted coup and civil war in 2002. A default on commercial debt (mostly Brady bonds) in 2000 had not been cured, an International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan programme signed in 2002 had lapsed in 2005 without being replaced, and the country was running arrears to the Paris Club of bilateral creditor governments.
Abraao Gourgel was parachuted into the job of governor of Angola's central bank in April 2009 at a difficult time. The country's currency, the kwanza, had suffered a sharp devaluation on account of plummeting oil prices and the global economic downturn, which was having an adverse impact on foreign direct investment.
Strong nerves and creative strategies have characterised the best-performing finance ministers over the past 12 months. Here The Banker recognises those whose will and skill have proved outstanding at tackling the immediate effects of the slump while positioning their countries for future growth.
Despite the fallout from the global downturn continuing to make its presence felt, optimism is returning to many areas of the banking world. The Banker's Bank of the Year Awards celebrate the achievements of the most innovative, dedicated, creative, resilient and ambitious banks in each region of the world, and across 144 countries.
PWM/The Banker’s inaugural Private Banking Awards were established with the aim of provoking a move to greater transparency and accountability in a growing global wealth management industry, which sees itself increasingly under the gaze of national and supra-national regulators. We also felt it was time to properly reward institutions which are doing their best for the private client.