Strung between these two rather shaky pillars, in Europe, the sovereign debt crisis still appears to be very slow moving towards a resolution; the political impetus for change looks likely to slow down as we approach German elections; and in the long term, the sustainability of the post-war social-democratic consensus looks ever more fragile. In the latest issue of Frontiers in finance, we return to the themes of cost optimization, transforming business and operating models and the challenge of liquidity, among others.
Articles in this edition include:
- The longest journey: Update on financial services regulation
Our Regulatory Centers of Excellence around the world discuss the impending regulatory issues financial services firms face as they seek the best strategies possible and business models aiming at maximizing value.
- The opportunity for the finance function in insurance: Better data, efficient processes and lower costs
The global insurance industry is facing a surge of change in almost every aspect of its business.
- China rising: The focus of payments moves east
Banking operations around the world have been under extreme pressure over the past few years, but few functions have evolved as quickly and drastically as the payments sector.
- Derivatives reporting: Deadlines looming
The financial crisis focused intense scrutiny on complex derivatives especially those bespoke instruments traded off registered exchanges on the over-the-counter (OTC) market.
- Technology and intelligent insurance
The financial crisis and its aftermath have created dramatic changes in the environment for insurers.
- The rise of non-bank credit: Revolution or evolution?
Traditional bank lending continues to be constrained by tighter regulation, increased capital requirements and a more conservative approach to risk. This would appear to open up significant business opportunities for alternative sources of credit, but there are a number of factors that may hinder the much-heralded revolution in credit provision.
- Eurozone banks: “An ever closer union”
More than three years after it began, political momentum to solve the crisis has moved forward with the announcement of the intended banking union.