Even though the majority of sub-Saharan countries are cash-driven, a string of initiatives are being rolled out across the region to take bank notes out of transactions where possible. Telcos, financial companies and reforms by the central banks are leading the way in Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria. Writer Wendy Atkins
On the surface, it may seem that the EU's 2007 MiFID legislation, which aimed to create a pan-European investment market on a level playing field, has changed little. However, a closer analysis reveals an industry in the process of change, as new upstarts make inroads and traditional exchanges respond with new technology. Writer Chris Skinner
After years of easy finance, companies across the world have had to face up to some harsh realities since the onset of the financial crisis. As credit dried out at the end of last year, they were forced to diversify their financing options and squeeze liquidity from within. Writer Charlie Corbett
Murky times: uncertainty over oil prices is causing concern that the risk management practices of energy traders are insufficientThe fluctuating energy prices over the past year have caused problems for financial and non-financial energy trading firms alike, leading to a greater focus on their risk management practices. Writer Michelle Price
Rob Mandeno, global head of FX spot and e-commerce at Deutsche Bank in LondonAs the credit crisis took hold, foreign exchange trading, regarded as a reliable source of profit, surged in popularity among investors. Now, as trading volumes begin to return to pre-crisis levels, the inference is that confidence is slowly returning to the global economy. Writer Charlie Corbett
India's leading exchange, the NSE, faces new competition as the MCX-SX plans to enter the equities trading arena. Yet the battle is broadly welcomed by the country's banking industry, which anticipates it will bring the product innovation needed to strengthen the sector on a global level. Writer Rekha Menon
Paul Camp, global head of cash management financial institutions, global transaction banking, Deutsche BankBanks are under pressure to generate revenue, reduce costs and mitigate risks in the recession. At the same time, investment needs have never been higher. So which is the best way forward for banks attempting to meet client demands for cash management services?
In these straitened times, effective cash management has rapidly become the priority for both banks and their customers, but this return to so-called back-to-basics banking is anything but basic. This guide charts the changing cash management landscape and how banks can navigate it in order to come out on top when the global economic downturn subsides. Writer Charlie Corbett
In the wake of the crisis almost everything to do with banks is being questioned - regulation, business models, corporate governance and ownership. Some fear that once burned, shareholders will be twice shy and may avoid bank stocks and bank debt altogether. State ownership is deemed a temporary measure but have private investors fallen out of love with banks? Writer Geraldine Lambe