As the hype around blockchain technology ebbs, real-world applications are coming to life, particularly in trade finance. Joy Macknight examines market initiatives, lessons learned and the role that blockchain could play in driving the digitalisation and growth of global trade.
With the cost of know-your-customer compliance increasing, sharing client information to a standard everyone trusts makes absolute sense. Katja Zschieschang, Deutsche Bank’s resident KYC expert, looks at the benefits of a collaborative approach to data collection to help reduce the costs of compliance.
Swift, together with 45 member banks, launched the global payments innovation (gpi) initiative in early 2016, to increase the speed, transparency and predictability of cross-border payments. More than 180 banks have signed up to the service, with over 60 banks now live. As of May 24, 25% of all Swift cross-border payments traffic is now being sent as gpi. Joy Macknight talks to Wim Raymaekers, Swift’s gpi programme director, about the latest developments.
Correspondent banking relationships may have been scaled back because of a stricter regulatory environment since the financial crisis, but a refocusing of bank strategies, close industry collaboration and exciting new technologies are ensuring cross-border payments are keeping up with the demand. Christian Westerhaus, global head of clearing products, cash management, at Deutsche Bank explains why the future is bright.
As global market infrastructures modernise across the world, Deutsche Bank’s head of market infrastructure and industry initiatives, cash management, Paula Roels, examines where the global banking industry stands in implementing the landmark ISO 20022 standard, the different approaches to its implementation and the critical factors for success.
The Basel Accords oblige banks to use two methods to measure and limit risk – value at risk and expected shortfall – but research shows these are insufficient to curtail the behaviour of rogue traders. Damiano Brigo and John Armstrong suggest a different approach.
JPMorgan has long been committed to diversity in its workforce and its approach is yielding results. Joy Macknight talks to the women heading the US bank’s Europe, the Middle East and Africa treasury services business lines to gain insight into the drivers of change in the region.
The UK has taken a giant step into the unknown, launching Open Banking ahead of its European counterparts. While not all the designated banks were ready on time, the initiative lays the groundwork for a range of new propositions for consumers and businesses.
Advocates of initial coin offerings see them as a quick and simple way to raise money for blockchain-based start-ups, while sceptics warn of get-rich-quick schemes and a 'Wild West' market. Joy Macknight looks at the drivers behind this new way of fundraising.