Timetable: although RBS is selling its insurance businesses it must still meet the Solvency II directiveBanks that own insurers are preparing for the Solvency II insurance directive, which in its current form could require huge amounts of extra capital to be set aside. Meanwhile, investment banks are busy advising their insurance clients on how their risk management and capital structures will have to change as a result. Writer Michael Imeson
The Gulf Co-operation Council countries have suffered as a result of the global economic downturn. Bank profits are down and there have even been some bank failures. But there is also plenty to be upbeat about, with some regions bucking the downward trend. Writer Michael Imeson
Integrated applications and centralised processing are essential for modern, efficient banking. But how easy is it to achieve these technological and operational goals, which if done properly can transform the business? This was the key issue debated at a series of round table lunches hosted by The Banker and FT Global Events recently in Jordan, Portugal and Azerbaijan. The round tables were sponsored by Oracle Financial Services Software but independently edited by The Banker.
Financial services providers are looking for better ways to manage their customer operations, with outsourcing on the list of options. This was the topic for discussion at a recent round table organised by The Banker and sponsored by Transcom Worldwide, a provider of outsourced business processes