Many corporate businesses are beefing up their treasury operations, growing less reliant on their banking partners and moving to bring more of their cash, payments and transaction services operations in house. However, banks are fighting back against this trend by updating their own offerings. Writer Nik Pratt
Into Africa: Jiang Jainqing, chairman of ICBC, visited Nigeria last year as his bank looks to strengthen its African presenceWhile Nigeria is increasingly appearing on investors' radars the world over, it is China that has been the most active in the country. However, it isn't just Nigeria's abundance of oil and gas that is exciting Chinese investors. Stephen Timewell reports.
Following a banking crisis in 2008, Nigeria has embarked on ambitious reform in the sector. This has included a rigorous audit that resulted in replacement of management at several banks, the ending of 'universal banking', measures to boost lending to industry and small businesses, and a new corporation to take over banks' bad loans. Stephen Timewell assesses how likely this transformation is to succeed.
Banks operating in global transaction services (GTS) are challenged by rising costs, shrinking margins and encroaching regulation. Emerging markets, and in particular Asia, are becoming increasingly important to the sector. The Banker asked leading GTS figures about their strategies for maintaining profitability and enhancing competitiveness. Edited by Anindita Ghosh
First Bank of Nigeria (which tops The Banker's ranking of the country's banks) has its headquarters alongside those of Union Bank in LagosThe banking landscape in Nigeria has changed dramatically over the past two years; a swift collapse followed the end of a banking boom, then a central bank audit revealed instances of malpractice and poor management, prompting major intervention. Now some banks are leading the way in rebuilding their fortunes and finances. Stephen Timewell reports
Central banks have dropped their traditional low profile - becoming more proactive, accumulating large reserves and intervening actively to support their national currencies and interests. The composition of their reserves is also changing, with a number of central banks considering moves to reduce their exposure to the US dollar, reports Joanne Hart.
Unprecedented volatility on the foreign exchange markets has dramatically increased the currency-related risks for corporates and has forced them to re-evaluate their strategies for hedging against sudden shifts. Banks and software suppliers are developing tools to help them address the situation, writes Frances Maguire.