Nathaniel Rothschild’s latest investment vehicle pits huge reward potential against substantial downside risk.

The Hungarian government last month announced details of its long-awaited mortgage relief plan, designed to help households deal with rising repayments on loans denominated in foreign currencies following the depreciation of the forint against the Swiss franc and euro.

Delayed rule equivalent to US’s Reg M; Sources say insider trading the real issue

$50 billion resolution comes to an end; Model for US banking system and European banks

Complex financing comprises three facilities; Biggest Islamic deal for private-sector borrower

Fund raised €8 billion in June; Calls for EFSF Greek debt exchange

Part one: Middle Eastern private banking debate: The region reconsiders its wealth needs post-crisis

Corporate issuers bring volumes to $1.5 billion; End of the long-duration trade?

For almost 10 years Josef Ackermann has regularly proved his critics wrong. His latest retort has been to rebalance Deutsche Bank's business mix and maintain returns within a much-changed investment bank. But can he meet the aggressive new targets he has set?

Already a powerhouse in FICC, Barclays Capital is muscling its way into the upper echelons of global M&A advisory and equity capital markets. Its three-year investment programme to build global franchises on the back of Lehman’s US rump is nearly done. The firm’s bosses promise shareholders that they are about to reap the dividends and that revenues and income will flow in. The handful of leading global investment banks have a new competitor to deal with.

The rise of Itaú, led by its chief executive, Roberto Setúbal, is one of the success stories of a generation in banking. Consistency and a canny approach to acquisitions have been the key to Setúbal’s achievements. And that is not going to change even as Itaú Unibanco cements its place as one of the world’s largest banks. Rob Dwyer reports from São Paulo.