The post-crisis focus on ensuring systems are separated by internal risk ‘buffers’ is being questioned, as distributed ledger technology promises to bring benefits to banks, regulators and businesses. But can anything interconnected also be safe? Dixit Joshi investigates.
Mounir Mahjoubi, the French secretary of state for digital affairs, spoke to Joy Macknight at the Money 20/20 Europe conference about the value created through bank-fintech partnerships and how France is fostering an attractive environment for fintechs, which is of growing importance due to Brexit.
Spain’s banks are looking much more stable, having cut non-performing assets in response to European Central Bank pressure. A reduction in overall bank numbers through mergers has streamlined the industry, though observers say increasing profitability remains challenging. Jules Stewart reports.
Western European institutions have seen a distinct improvement on their poor 2017 figures, with most top banks increasing their capitalisation. HSBC remains local leader but has ceded a place on the global ranking. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Having emerged from bailout and recession, Portugal's banks are gearing up to contend with digitalisation, further regulation and tougher competition in a still-crowded market. Most of them are relying on decent levels of growth, capitalisation and provision for bad loans to see them through, as Peter Wise reports.
Carlos da Silva Costa, Portugal’s central bank governor, talks to Peter Wise about the country’s priorities, which include further reduction of bad loans and improving profitability, while tackling forthcoming challenges such as an ageing population.
Portugal’s left-wing government has not only surprised observers with its stability and popularity, the coalition some called a geringonça, or contraption, has overseen the country’s move from bailout recipient to credit rating star. But, as Peter Wise reports, there is still work to be done.
Portugal's finance minister, Mário Centeno, believes his election as president of the EU’s Eurogroup reflects the country’s efforts to achieve economic recovery, and proves anti-austerity policies can be compatible with EU fiscal rules. Peter Wise reports.