The German regulator's attempt to enhance financial stability by banning 'naked' short selling of shares and sovereign debt, as well as uncovered CDSs, is seen as an unwarranted distraction. Writer Charlie Corbett
With change comes opportunity
August 30, 2010Dean Sposito, head of cash management for financial institutions at Deutsche Bank, talks to The Banker, about the difficulties facing the cash management industry as banks cope with ever more regulation, critical technological investment, voracious competition and shrinking margins.
Pricing an IPO has never been harder
August 30, 2010With investors in a state of near permanent paranoia, pricing an initial public offering to perfection is critical in today's market. The list of failed or delayed IPOs in the first half of 2010 is testament to this. Only the strongest will survive - even those at a healthy discount. Writer Charlie Corbett
The Tier 1 conundrum
August 30, 2010Recent positive noises from the Basel Committee have eased concerns among banks about what instruments will count as Tier 1 capital in the future. But huge uncertainties remain over what form future regulation will take, in particular regarding hybrid debt. Many banks could find that they are forced to revisit a now saturated market for bank equity issuance; either that or come up with more innovative ways of boosting capital ratios. Writer Charlie Corbett
Tactics for a new age
August 30, 2010In an attempt to appease regulators, banks are issuing Tier 1 debt capital that converts into equity if a certain trigger point is reached. However, only the biggest names - and those least likely to need to convert debt to equity - will be able to attract investor support for such issuance. Writer Charlie Corbett
World
/ Western Europe
/ UK
UK offshore centres fight 'tax haven' label
July 28, 2010The UK's offshore financial centres do not deny that they have accommodating tax regimes, but they baulk at the label 'tax haven' and all the negative connotations that tag brings. Writer Charlie Corbett
Breaking down the barriers to energy finance
July 28, 2010Substantial barriers impede investment in the infrastructure required to meet the global surge in energy demand over coming years. It is critical to break down these barriers, otherwise the world faces a potentially bleak and very dark future.
An unnecessary blunt instrument
July 28, 2010The European Parliament's new law capping bankers' bonuses has met with a resigned acceptance in the banking community. But most bankers privately agree that national efforts are adequate already and that the EU's interference will only sow confusion and could lead to an exodus of talent. Writer Charlie Corbett
World
/ Western Europe
/ UK
Looking beyond London
July 6, 2010The UK's regional financial centres are undergoing a financial and cultural renaissance. They are shrugging off the effects of the downturn, establishing themselves as viable alternatives to London and growing in both confidence and maturity. Writer Charlie Corbett
Nimble KfW tests euro demand
July 6, 2010In the face of heightened debt market volatility in Europe and serious concerns over the long-term future of the euro, German development agency KfW found a window of opportunity to raise €5bn in a three-year deal. Writer Charlie Corbett
