Finance

Negative interest rates see banks enter the unknown

Some European economies have now adopted negative interest rates for the longest period in history. The controversial policy has turned banks’ business models upside down, leaving economists unsure of their next move

Who pays for the Green Deal?

The European Green Deal has noble intentions, but the way institutions propose to fund it is cause for concern. Shadow budgets and note printing will not tackle the climate crisis

New players are finally disrupting the credit rating sector

Standard & Poor’s, Moody’s and Fitch Ratings have long dominated the credit rating market. Although Germany’s Scope is trying to break into the so-called Big Three, it is not proving easy

Germany is changing its tune on private equity investment

Once known for its aversion to private equity investment, Germany is experiencing a dealmaking boom that could prove a key turning point in the country’s corporate history

The big impact of Ghana’s microfinance sector

Ghana’s economy is underpinned by SMEs. The government has long neglected these businesses, however, while the institutions that finance them are often mismanaged. MASLOC is stepping in to get the microfinance industry back on track

By exercising caution, investors could benefit in all conditions

A new year brings new prospects, but investors must always exercise caution, even in favourable conditions. Investment managers, such as the team at Eric Sturdza Investments, can offer opportunities to those looking to enter the market

Amid corporate success, Prepaid Financial Services is making diversity a priority

By pushing boundaries in the fintech sector, Prepaid Financial Services has maintained its leading market position. Now, it is making diversity a priority

The Cayman Islands offer portfolio diversification to investors

To keep up with competitors around the world, European companies must channel more funding into research and development. The Cayman Islands is opening up businesses’ access to capital through diverse investment options

European Central Bank struggles to bring its numbers to heel

Europe has been struggling to meet its inflation target for some time. While this hasn’t had an adverse effect on the bloc’s economy, the European Central Bank’s credibility could be at stake

Puut’s all-in-one wallet embraces blockchain and artificial intelligence

Puut Wallet is the world’s first blockchain-based replacement for physical wallets, using digital technologies to deliver financial services and social features in one package

Calls for European Central Bank to keep new president on a shorter lead

Former IMF Director Christine Lagarde faces a host of challenges in her new role as European Central Bank president amid lingering uncertainties

Getting VAT right first time can save companies expensive headaches

Correctly inputting VAT is crucial to a company’s financial health, but it’s rarely simple. Understanding local law goes a long way

Following the LIBOR scandal, the EBC has launched its own benchmark interest rate

In 2012, an international investigation confirmed that some banks had been rigging LIBOR to inflate their profits. With several financial markets publishing alternative benchmarks, the European Central Bank is aiming to consolidate its own

Puut Wallet is using blockchain and AI to create smart payment systems

New technology is transforming the financial services sector. While blockchain and artificial intelligence hold a great deal of untapped potential, they are already providing numerous opportunities for industry players

Southern Europe continues to struggle in the wake of the sovereign debt crisis

Falling unemployment and positive net migration are just two signs of recovery in Southern Europe. But with stubbornly high youth unemployment and a continuing brain drain, there are some deeper-seated issues that Portugal, Italy, Greece and Spain need to address

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