Ernst & Young survey reveals mixed results; Good news on risk governance, liquidity and funding

Tiny adjustments on inputs can produce big benefits on capital ratios: the temptation to manipulate is obvious.

The region’s economic growth is healthy but over-reliant on the rest of Europe. Asia beckons.

Continuing political instability in North Africa and the Middle East, together with oil-supply constraints, will increase energy risks and therefore prices.

The fee hiatus left by Fannie and Freddie will be filled. But not just yet.

The country faces more than a liquidity crisis; a fiscal restructuring of the economy is required.

Seen as hedge to currency debasement; Integrated FX and metals pricing adds advantage

Geithner supports move; Foreign issuance into dollar market increases

Russia’s underdeveloped capital markets are on track for much-needed modernization. However an arcane legal system and entrenched attitudes could yet put a brake on the pace of reform. Lucy Fitzgeorge-Parker reports.

Mixed fortunes for IPOs; Credit Suisse maintains dominance

European banks target Latin America

European banks benefit from euro introduction; spurs consolidation of market share.

First Rand in Nigeria acquisition talks; Absa, Barclays Africa in new integration push

When Euromoney calls to book appointments with the heads of the top 10 FX banks before the results of this year’s poll appear, the typical response from their press officers is: “Can we get back to you, he is travelling in Asia right now.” This tells you all you need to know about growth in the foreign exchange markets, with Asia as its new frontier.

CEOs oppose increased reserve ratios; Threats to banks exceeding loan limits

Goldman Sachs cut out trading completely in the first quarter – at least that’s what the language of its earnings filing indicates. The bank managed to avoid using the t-word at any point in its earnings announcement, although it mentioned clients 29 times and made 46 references to investment.

The dominance of the top-three FX banks is being challenged by the chasing pack of dealers. It isn’t just a case of luring clients onto their internal trading platforms. Clients want different things, and multi-dealer exchanges are beginning to prosper. Tom Osborn reports.

Tier 1 ratio or market solvency triggers?; Bankers fear proposal would create volatility

Extensive retail finance acquisition; Sector still strong despite government curbs

Hedging hit may spread to other banks; BlackRock findings reinvigorate lawsuit

The decision by Standard & Poor’s to place the US on credit watch with a “negative outlook” is a watershed. With politicians unwilling to attack spiralling welfare costs, a bond crisis might be just around the corner.

Reasons for withdrawal not stated; Culmination of agency’s bearishness on sector

Given an increasingly positive economic backdrop in Kazakhstan, the prospect of important developments in the local capital markets and growing investor interest, Almaty-based fund manager Compass Asset Management is looking to launch two new funds targeting the resource-rich central Asian state. Brian O’Callaghan, who assumed the post of chief executive at Compass in the summer of 2010, believes that Kazakhstan is strongly positioned to attract new followers in the coming year. "I was bullish on the long-term economic prospects for Kazakhstan before I came here, and I still am," he says.

The collateralized loan obligation market has been one of the surprise recovery stories of the past year. US managers are reappraising the opportunities it provides. Will the revival continue, and can it catch on in Europe? Joti Mangat reports.

African deals are increasing in number but what is the best way for investment banks to get involved? Dominic O’Neill finds out what the key players in Johannesburg, London and Dubai are thinking.

After a few difficult years, culminating in the resignation of its long-serving chief executive, Italy’s biggest lender is hoping for a fresh start. But plenty of hurdles need to be overcome if it is ever to reassume its position as one of Europe’s leading banks.

Africa has much to tempt a growing economy, and China has the money to pay for access to the resources it needs and wants. But it is not the only country with an eye on the continent. Nick Kochan reports.