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Algeria: bank reform picks up pace

Other banks' proprietary platforms need to pick up market share fast

As the states of the MENA region attempt to cut back their role in the economy, and the Gulf states in particular attempt to move away from their dependence on oil, private sector firms are emerging as the key to achieving sustainable economic growth. Although the region's economies remain dominated by the public sector, private firms have recorded impressive growth in recent years in much of the Middle East and north Africa.

Attention now turns to more complex Al Marai transaction

Achieving macroeconomic stability was the first objective of Nigeria's economic team, and in the past 18 months they have achieved significant progress across a number of areas – and that has not escaped the attention of the international community.

Mizuho has announced plans to establish a private banking company in Japan. The 70-person unit, Mizuho Private Wealth Management Company, will provide consulting services and various personalised financial products for clients with 500 million yen or more in assets. It will be a tough market to crack, however. A private banking market in Japan has never fully taken off despite attempts by both foreign and domestic players. Wealthy Japanese have tended to keep their money on deposit, while the banks have not focused on customer service. Even at a retail banking level, only now is there evidence of a service-oriented banking culture, led by Shinsei and Tokyo Star.

The International Swaps and Derivatives Association held a gala dinner in London in May to celebrate its 20th anniversary.

Republic of Colombia

It is not just American businessmen and tourists filling the seats of Thai Airways' new non-stop route between Bangkok and New York.

United Utilities

Some banks are already seeing an uptake from new buy-side clients

BNP and SG say they are taking a calculated risk, but can the investment pay off?