Banks
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
Lithuania fires head of credit institutions supervision department
Kazimieras Ramonas unceremoniously sacked; new central bank department will take over financial market supervision in 2012
China central bank official nominated to join private bank’s board
Wang Hongzhang tipped to become chairman of the China Construction Bank Corporation after unanimous nomination to join board of directors; will leave People’s Bank of China after a long career there
FSA’s Bailey calls on banks to plan for eurozone break-up
Banks must prepare for the "disorderly departure of some countries from the eurozone", says Andrew Bailey
Strong bank relationships eases lending squeeze: BIS paper
Bank for International Settlements finds that building a close relationship with a bank can help reduce lending volatility during crisis
BIS paper identifies lending threshold to bank recapitalisation efforts
Bank for International Settlements study shows recapitalisation of banks will only boost lending once balance sheets are sufficiently strengthened
Ireland introduces revised requirements for lenders dealing with SMEs
Ireland changes rules for banks lending to small and medium-sized enterprises when they are facing financial difficulties; new code updates 2009 effort
BoE data shows Project Merlin on schedule to hit targets
Bank of England’s Trends in Lending shows UK’s five largest banks are on target to meet lending commitments under programme to boost UK financing to businesses
Jenkins calls for shift in bank profitability calculation
Newest Interim FPC member, Robert Jenkins, says banks “confuse” return on equity with shareholder value; calls for “clear-headed” dialogue on the “true cost of capital”
BoE’s Haldane discusses broad reforms
FPC member calls for comprehensive reform of bankers’ remuneration and warns Basel III may not go far enough
G-20 endorses final G-Sifi rules
Finance ministers and central bankers offer support to G-Sifi rules; want to see framework expanded to all banks deemed too big to fail regardless of global reach
European regulator holds crisis talks
Pressure mounts on European banks to bolster their capital buffers as European Banking Authority holds unscheduled talks in London