After a strong showing in 2013, this year looks like being less fruitful for China’s gold market. But the retail market continues to flourish. The prediction is for 25% growth in the next four years.

The Euromoney China retail gold survey was open from May 19 to June 13. All responses were collected online from investors in gold and gold-backed products from the People’s Republic of China. Euromoney received 701 responses:

Overall across regions and products:

The Banco Espírito Santo saga is a sharp reminder, as the ECB’s asset quality review moves towards its conclusion, of how closely the fortunes of European banks and sovereigns remain bound together.

A hedge fund manager came to see me recently and we talked about the state of the market. As US equity indices hover near all-time highs, cynicism prevails.

UBS was named Euromoney’s best global bank for 2014 at the awards dinner, held at London’s Natural History Museum. Having attended nine such dinners in my role as a columnist for Euromoney, I was struck by how restrained the atmosphere in the room was.

The region’s markets are growing rapidly, and might even hit new highs this year. Meanwhile, a patchy record in growth and some important issuer absences do not seem to trouble international investors.

Investment banking revenues rose across the Asia-Pacific ex-Japan region over the first half of this year, but not every bank has been reaping the rewards.

The outrageous swings in fortune of Renaissance Capital over the past 20 years are the stuff of Hollywood legend. But what’s the next instalment for the Moscow-based investment bank? Out of Africa? Or just back to being The Russia House?

In his first major interview, Intesa Sanpaolo’s head of international subsidiary banks talks to Euromoney about the Italian group’s new strategy for its CEE network, why further country exits are out of the question and how he plans to return the division to profitability.

The country seems to be turning a corner: there are hopes its economy might return to growth this year. Local banks think they’re in good shape for the European Banking Authority tests and that there might even be opportunities in non-performing loans.

The buy side is turning to private placements, not only for yield, but also for protection when the cycle turns.

Bancolombia’s BIB proved that it could get its parent’s follow-on away in difficult markets. Now it is looking to good customer relations to help it expand across the region

The country is forging ahead in its aim of becoming a regional Islamic finance hub, issuing its debut sukuk in July. However, questions remain as to exactly how dedicated it is to reaching this goal.

Boutiques come in many shapes and sizes. Ondra, more a capital markets adviser than an M&A shop, has adopted an unusual business model where it is a retained adviser, practically becoming part of the management team when events arise. It keeps a select client list, and a growing number of fans see an awful lot of value in what the firm has to offer.

Ken Moelis didn’t set up his new firm in 2007 because he anticipated the crisis, he had just grown disgusted by what Wall Street had become. His new firm, an international and multidisciplinary provider of advice, thrived. This year, he took it public, driven by a troubling vision for the future of the banking industry and a desire to lure in the next cohort of talented bankers.

Like an alcoholic that believes another drink can do no harm, the Federal Reserve has not learnt the lessons of the global financial crisis. Once more it seems determined to mop up only after the next bubble bursts.

Key energy suppliers are increasingly politically unstable and Europe faces a rise in prices, even though demand is falling.

SWF hires for internal equities; turning active.

Forced conversion planned for autumn; bill could top €4 billion, say analysts.

New system connects Shanghai and HK markets; regulations need to catch up.

High relative rates draw investors; elections weigh on rally.

Deal sells at par; incentive to call after five years.

Samurai deal consolidated; diversification in face of uncertainty.

BTG Pactual to acquire Swiss private bank BSI; in line with bank’s international strategy.

Senegal should focus on diversifying funding channels rather than marketing itself as an Islamic finance hub, which could limit investor interest.

A big jump in investment-banking fees is a sign of health, but it belies a lumpy recovery.

IPO likely for up to 40% stake; sale set for 2015.

CIMB power grab looks set to shake up the region’s banking landscape.

The Fidesz government has the mandate to convert Hungary’s entire stock of FX retail loans. But that might not be the end of the battle for bankers.