Low exposure to international shocks has seen Azerbaijan’s banks grow impressively in recent years. Rod James examines what needs to be done to build on this position of strength.
Central and Eastern Europe
Introducing our fourth annual package of news and views on sustainability in finance.
A watered-down bill to revive Europe’s ailing carbon trading scheme has been passed, but what it will do for investor confidence is uncertain, writes Rod James.
Treasurers are taking bank-counterparty risk ever-more seriously, writes Liz Salecka.
The United Nations’ Principles for Responsible Investment initiative is encouraging fund managers to build sustainability into their investment decisions. Tim Burke talks to James Gifford, its chief executive.
While most of Europe ground to a halt, Poland had years of consistently speedy economic expansion. As growth slows, Rod James analyses what Polish banks can do to get things moving again.
Islamic finance could prove a winning alternative for borrowers looking to fund infrastructure projects. Ibrahim Mardam-Bey, Poulad Berenjforoush and Peter Maldonado of investment bank Taylor-DeJongh explore the opportunities.
Changes in UniCredit's project finance and trade businesses; an interview with Natixis's new EMEA wholesale banking head; and a round-up of other news.
Credit Suisse's Phil Cutts discusses the bank's takeover of Morgan Stanley's EMEA wealth management business; plus news of other regional deal-making.
Bonds, sukuk and the long-awaited People’s IPOs are boosting deal-making. Next up: the country's first sovereign eurobond in more than a decade. Tim Burke reports.
Investors are being offered more frequent opportunities to back bonds in roubles, lira, naira and other emerging-market currencies. But building these markets takes time and effort from many parties. Tim Burke reports.