Banks
BoE's Posen continues crusade for SME credit
Posen laments decline of political interest in plans for credit easing for SMEs in the UK; reaffirms his drive to improve the provision of finance for smaller non-financial corporations
Germany highly exposed to US and European contagion effects, says Buba paper
Bundesbank study finds strong contagious effects from the US and Europe, but no effects from the Asia-Pacific region and emerging markets on the German financial system
Tajikistan announces enhanced payments systems
National Bank of Tajikistan launches national processing centre' striving to bring banking services up to date
Russia gears up for central securities depository
Russian central securities depository (CSD) could be ready by the end of 2012, although there is more work to be done
South African bank creates new role for ex-central banker
FirstRand bank appoints former SARB deputy registrar of the banks Yvette Singh as public regulatory affairs executive
Pakistan forges ahead with mobile banking promotion
State Bank of Pakistan signs agreement with national telecommunication authority to further the development of mobile banking in the country
FSB discusses plans for the year
Financial Stability Board covers 2012 work plan in latest meeting; considers extending Sifi framework to domestic banks and globally significant insurance companies
Lithuania overhauls banking supervision
New streamlined financial markets supervision body will save government $1.9 million a year; economist in charge of new Supervision Service
Banking structure reform gets go ahead from British government
UK government lays down plans to incorporate Independent Commission on Banking recommendations into law; process to begin next year
Bank of Finland paper investigates China’s evolving reserve requirements
Bank of Finland discussion paper charts the changing role of reserve requirements as a policy tool in Asia's biggest economy
Basel releases consultative document on capital disclosure
Proposal could see banks complying with new disclosure requirements from the date of publication of their first set of financial statements relating to a balance sheet date on or after January 1, 2013
IMF working paper on bank competition
Researchers look at effects of intermediation technology on banking competition and financial stability
Caruana presses importance of central bank balance sheets
Jaime Caruana explains how central bank balance sheets have been forced to change during the financial crisis; says medium-term risks require attention
Robert Pringle’s Viewpoint: What future for European banking?
Policymakers urgently need to form a clear, strategic position on the future of banking in Europe as well as a roadmap on how to get there. This may require the nationalisation of major European banks
Sri Lanka eases rules on foreign investments
Central Bank of Sri Lanka changes regulations on foreign investments and domestic firms taking out foreign loans; aims to support expanding economic activities with additional financing
EBA finds €114.7 billion capital shortfall in Europe
European Banking Authority publishes recommendation and final results of bank recapitalisation plan; part of co-ordinated measures to restore confidence in the banking sector
Bank Negara Malaysia MobileLINK bus begins tour
Malaysian central bank launches mobile customer service bus; part of efforts in promoting financial inclusion by extending the outreach programme to a wider community
IMF researchers label asset managers collateral ‘mines’
Paper highlights lack of attention paid to rise of asset managers as a major source of funding for banks through shadow banking system
Philippines banking sector liberalisation continues
Central Bank of the Philippines awards seven banks the right to open 162 branches in previously 'restricted' zones; next phase in the liberalisation of the domestic banking sector
Credit booms linked to financial crisis – IMF paper
IMF working paper shows credit growth becomes less dependent on bank soundness during boom periods
Financial crisis leaves questions over future of banking: Luc Coene
Belgian governor says with huge reforms beginning to take effect, it is impossible to accurately predict the future state of the banking sector in Belgium
CLS pushing 'transformation' agenda, says Bozian
Central settlement utility is feeding greater resources into expanding its universe of currencies, according to chief executive Alan Bozian
Fed picks new head for banking supervision division
Michael Gibson takes over from Patrick Parkinson on January 1; Parkinson leaves Fed after 30 years of service
Thailand and China ease monetary policy
Thailand cuts benchmark rate and China lowers reserve ratio as eurozone crisis impact is felt in Asia; Thailand also keen to combat effects of devastating floods