Uneven progress towards financial market reform across the continent continues to pose a challenge for ambitious African corporates.

While the world’s biggest markets are still preparing for T+1 settlement, talk is growing of the next step – but going any faster would mean a total reworking of how markets function.

It is not hard to find short-term worries over global markets’ state of readiness for the US’s transition to one-day settlement in late May. But even if the UK, Europe and those Asian markets still using two-day settlement can adapt to the shift in the longer term, they will also face intense pressure to lessen their dislocation from the US cycle by copying its move. Many also fear the ultimate end-game of same-day or even instant settlement.

Head of transaction services and trade at NatWest, Ritu Sehgal sits down with Euromoney to explain her blended approach of cutting-edge technology and human touch to understand client needs, build trust and deliver at the UK bank.

Raphael Barisaac, UniCredit’s global head of payments and cash management, shares with Euromoney the bank’s strategic shift, how its value proposition sets the bank apart and his views on the ever-changing payment landscape.

Euromoney talks with Matt Burns, Lloyds Banking Group’s new co-head of the Transaction Banking Solutions team, who is leading the charge in creating a more client-centric and innovative business. From integrating siloed teams to developing ground-breaking solutions, Burns shares his vision for the future of Lloyds and the industry.