Issue 20 March / April 2013

Bid to cash in on MENA banking eminence

The contenders are in place but which one will receive the accolade of being recognised as the ultimate international financial centre? MUSHTAK PARKER looks at the jostling taking place for the crown Mirror, mirror on the wall, who is the fairest of them all?” This is a beauty parade with a difference – it’s taking place in the financial sector. …

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The tussle to ensure that bank systems are fit for purpose

Purchasing the correct technology is a matter of supreme importance for banks. PAUL MELLY looks at the pressures behind choosing the right systems to handle treasury, trade finance and cash management transactions What investment route to follow?  That’s the complex and usually expensive question that today’s banks are confronted with as they seek to keep pace with the expectations of …

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Desire for greater trade security

Companies in the MENA region are looking for maximum security in trade transactions having been shaken up by the global financial crisis and the Arab Spring. Although seen as being in better shape than their European counterparts, GCC companies and banks are being extremely cautious when arranging trade transactions, and this has resulted in increased demand for confirmed letters of …

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Banks’ real ‘wealth’ is now information

CHRIS PRINCIPE looks at how transaction banking can use data to make money and keep customers happy over the past year it has been all but impossible to avoid the big data phenomenon and there has certainly been no shortage of media build-up regarding its promise. But strip away all the marketing hype and there is still little doubt that …

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