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April 2011

April 2011

Banking isn’t working

Euromoney April 2011

Many of the world’s leading banks are struggling to cross a key threshold in their business – where their return on equity exceeds their cost of equity. That’s only likely to get worse as their capital requirements rise. The hopes of the industry are based on an improvement in market conditions. Right now, it’s struggling to make a convincing case for itself. Peter Lee reports.

Exchanges

CME’s Donohue unmoved by exchange consolidation

Euromoney April 2011

The tables have turned for Craig Donohue. Until recently the Chicago Mercantile Exchange was seen as the chief aggressor in the global battle for bourse market share. Now, as rivals announce ever-more grandiose consolidation plans, the CME’s chief executive is standing firm on his strategy for organic growth. Helen Avery reports.

Asia

China’s banks forced to follow the government’s course

Euromoney April 2011

The real level of problem loans at China’s biggest banks is shrouded in mystery. The good news for investors is that whatever happens, the government will support them – it got them into trouble in the first place. But such state control has led to a reappraisal of what China’s banks have to offer. Elliot Wilson reports

Equity: Hutch puts its trust in Singapore

Euromoney April 2011

Hutchison Ports Holdings chose Singapore for a record-breaking IPO because SGX’s business trust structure assures the Hutch listing, HPH Trust, of continuing control by its existing owners. Investors bought the deal because of its yield prospects, but are they guaranteed? Chris Wright reports

Derivatives: Korea still reeling from knock-out blows

Euromoney April 2011

Corporate Korea is caught in the aftermath of a derivatives disaster. One CEO tells how he nearly signed a deadly contract. Many others weren’t so lucky. As KiKo fiasco litigation continues, work is under way to avoid a repeat catastrophe. Lawrence White reports

Sovereign wealth funds – KIC: Korea keeps sovereign wealth fund on a light rein

Euromoney April 2011

Korea Investment Corporation is unusual in having no liabilities that it has to provide for in its investment strategies. So chief investment officer Scott Kalb has relative freedom to explore alternative and longer-term investments. Chris Wright reports

Investors play on as Vietnam founders

Euromoney April 2011

After the default of one of its biggest state-owned companies in December, the country’s latest round of problems began: ratings downgrades, rising inflation and an 8.5% devaluation. Yet some investors are optimistic. They think its markets are cheap, and are waiting on a new wave of IPOs. Lawrence White reports

Japan’s shaken markets survive the test

Euromoney April 2011

The earthquake that devastated Japan put its markets under severe strain, with high volumes of orders stressing systems, and staff unsure whether to stay or flee. Those who worked through the crisis tell Euromoney about their experiences. Lawrence White reports.

Cash management debate: Dynamic Asia makes growing demands on cash management banks

Euromoney April 2011

Providers and clients in the key Asian markets discuss the effects of the region’s growing influence and importance, tradeability of the renminbi and the developments that are bringing cutting-edge cash management services.

Middle East

Egypt’s reluctant finance minister gets to work

Euromoney April 2011

Samir Radwan was a surprise choice as Egypt’s new finance minister – even to himself. Appointed at the height of the chaos, the retired economist is working hard to sustain Egypt’s finances and economy through a period of extraordinary upheaval. Eric Ellis joins him in Cairo

Kuwait’s Islamic banks face an unconventional future

Euromoney April 2011

Just as it comes to terms with the fallout of the global economic crisis, the Islamic sector must prepare for political instability. Dominic Dudley reports.

UAE federal finance chief speaks to Euromoney

Euromoney April 2011

Younis Al Khouri, director-general of the UAE federal finance ministry, speaks about his department’s cash injections into the banking sector, and his plans for the first UAE-wide sovereign bond.

Corporate finance

M&A pressure builds under corporate cash mountain

Euromoney April 2011

Cash hoarding by companies combined with private equity funds’ need to put money to work are producing stellar M&A volumes, mainly in the US. But economic uncertainty and corporate caution might make the going much slower in other markets. Louise Bowman reports.

The corporate view

Euromoney April 2011

Recruitment

Recruitment: Headhunters face collateral damage

Euromoney April 2011

New rules and regulations on bankers’ compensation are changing the tempo of financial services headhunters’ business. Many are finding that the dance of recruitment is adagio. Nick Lord reports

Recruitment: Compensation calculations

Euromoney April 2011

Banking news

People: Luzón next in line at Santander

Euromoney April 2011

Sáenz continues to fight court conviction; Luzón looks best placed to succeed him

Stress tests: Europe’s latest bank stress test fails to impress

Euromoney April 2011

Not testing hold-to-maturity books or liquidity risk diminishes credibility; Sterner tests conducted in private might be a better use of time

US bank capital: US banks get mixed dividend decisions

Euromoney April 2011

BAML told ‘no’; Citi surprises analysts; Capital requirements might yet increase

Investment banking: RBS digs its way into North America

Euromoney April 2011

High-yield business grows on deal wins; Citizens Bank ownership pays off

Markets news

Japan: Catastrophe bonds dodge quake payout

Euromoney April 2011

9.0 quake didn’t trip parametric triggers; Reinsurers struggle to absorb losses

Credit default swaps: Pension funds make last stand to avert clearing

Euromoney April 2011

April deadline for regulation; Margin requirements could be prohibitive

Europe: Bond buyers brace for eurozone debt restructuring

Euromoney April 2011

Not if, but when; Debt burden numbers don’t lie

Old guard out as UBS revamps FX team

Euromoney April 2011

Departures follow senior investment bank changes; Former Barclays team now in control

Wall Street battles in commodities trading

Euromoney April 2011

Nomura exits, Credit Suisse stumbles?; Rates, currencies, commodities counter credit revenue decrease

Asia news

Asia Pacific: Christianson and Strong head Morgan Stanley

Euromoney April 2011

Chicago veteran Strong to move to HK; Laroia heads equities, Richdale investment banking

Microfinance: Upstart sector is put on the straight and narrow

Euromoney April 2011

Indian committee suggests controls on microfinance; Central bank keen to foster lending in remote areas

Mongolia: Deutsche, Goldman win plum Mongolia IPO roles

Euromoney April 2011

Share giveaway might prompt baby boom; Crucial strategic investor role to be decided

Latin America news

Capital controls: IDB calls for action against rising currencies

Euromoney April 2011

Monetary policy seen as insufficient; Macro-prudential policies also required

Colombia: S&P upgrade confirms sovereign’s rise

Euromoney April 2011

Reflects long-standing de facto situation; Not expected to change investor base

Capital flows: Regional funds slip away

Euromoney April 2011

Equity funds struggle; Primary issuance muted

Venezuela: PDVSA issuance counteracts dollar shortage

Euromoney April 2011

Clampdown on black market FX trade; Long-term fears about default

Project finance: Mexico capitalizes on power project track record

Euromoney April 2011

Biggest Korean investment in Mexican power sector; Further deals in the pipeline

Argentina: Domestic capital markets rebound after liquidity crash

Euromoney April 2011

EEMEA news

Russia: Third player joins Norilsk battle

Euromoney April 2011

Metalloinvest backs mega merger; Deripaska refuses to sell stake

Banking: Sberbank ups the ante with Troika Dialog buy

Euromoney April 2011

Bolt-on acquisition of investment banking unit; Integration problems the big challenge

Bahrain: Gulf island’s financial sector hit hard by unrest

Euromoney April 2011

International firms evacuate staff; Further woe for local investment banks

Southeastern Europe: Retail sector steals the M&A limelight

Euromoney April 2011

Belgian retailer in big acquisition in Serbia; Agrokor and Mercator vie for local leadership

Kazakhstan: Halyk Bank makes a clean break with the past

Euromoney April 2011

Share buyback latest sign of financial health; Lending still lagging income growth

Comment

China: A clueless chase to nowhere in particular

Euromoney April 2011

When, a few decades into the future, we cast our minds back to the early years of the 21st century, how will China shape up in historical perspective? Moreover, how are we likely to view the country’s leaders in these fulcrum years: Hu Jintao and Wen Jiabao, president and premier from 2003 to 2013?

Banking: Europe’s credibility under stress

Euromoney April 2011

After omitting an outright sovereign default from its latest banking system stress test, the EBA must set a high capital ratio for banks to pass, or risk losing all credibility.

Capital markets: Bond-financed buyouts raise risk concerns

Euromoney April 2011

Growth in high-yield market funding heightens risk on weaker credits.

Exchanges: Cash equities out in the cold

Euromoney April 2011

Institutional investors have been poorly served by most platforms. Mergers won’t make much difference.

Columns

Abigail with attitude: Changes continue at UBS

Euromoney April 2011

“A UBS insider points out that the landscape in the securities division is flatter: ‘A layer has been removed.’ But I still think Carsten Kengeter has too many lieutenants”

Abigail with attitude: How many blows can the Goldman Sachs brand suffer?

Euromoney April 2011

Abigail with attitude: The new Nomura

Euromoney April 2011

Macaskill on markets: Morgan Stanley derailed by monoline exposure

Euromoney April 2011

Morgan Stanley recently unwound credit hedges on monoline insurer MBIA at possibly a big loss. This could hit first-quarter results for the firm’s troubled fixed-income division and compound its reputation as disaster-prone, at least when it comes to credit trading.

Against the tide: Stagflation rears its ugly head

Euromoney April 2011

Higher global inflation and lower growth – stagflation – is on the way. Deflation is much further down the road.

Inside investment: Consulting confusion

Euromoney April 2011

Investment consultants are taking a leaf from Madonna’s playbook and reinventing themselves. Implemented consultancy is causing a commotion but it is far from clear who the winners will be.

Front end

Markit: To shave and to shave not

Euromoney April 2011

Vietnam’s cross-border cash arb entrepreneurs

Euromoney April 2011

IADB: Temperature down, attendance up

Euromoney April 2011

Diamonds are an investor’s best friend

Euromoney April 2011

Stuck for a yield-enhancing idea in these low interest rate times? Want an asset that provides consistent returns and offers a hedge against market and political crises? One fund manager reckons it has a gem of an idea.

UK banker in pub grub snub

Euromoney April 2011

Off the record

Euromoney April 2011

Quotes of the month

Euromoney April 2011


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