Month: August 2024

M&A Activity: Energy and Financial Sectors Experience Increased Activity

In 2011, the energy and financial services sectors were anticipated to see significant merger and acquisition (M&A) activity, and they have indeed experienced notable developments. In the energy sector, rising oil prices, geopolitical uncertainties, and lingering effects from the financial…

Wealth Management Opportunities in the GCC Are Increasing

The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are already among the wealthiest regions globally and are poised to further enhance their status as a key hub for global wealth. According to Boston Consulting Group, the region’s financial wealth is projected to…

Interview with Pranav Seth, Chief Digital Officer at Techcombank, Vietnam

Joseph Giarraputo, Founder and Editorial Director of Global Finance, speaks with Pranav Seth, Chief Digital Officer at Techcombank, about the evolving landscape of digital banking and the opportunities it presents for both retail and business customers. Vietnam’s strong manufacturing sector…

UBA – Recognized as a Leading Frontier Markets Bank in 2024

Global Finance has announced the winners of its 26th annual World’s Best Banks awards, including the 2024 World’s Best Frontier Market Bank, UBA. “United Bank for Africa has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving both domestic and international businesses and…

Growing Optimism Surrounds Jordan’s Economic Recovery Efforts

Jordan reboots its economy, and foreign investors take note. Jordan’s Economic Reforms: Challenges and Potential The term “reform” is frequently used in the Middle East, and Jordan’s commitment to overhauling its economy is generating cautious optimism. The Jordanian parliament approved…

What Is Islamic Finance and How Does It Work?

Global Finance FAQ Series: Understanding Islamic Finance Welcome to the first installment of our Global Finance FAQ web series, focusing on Islamic finance. Islamic finance operates under Islamic law, or sharia, and has evolved significantly over the past few decades….

Global debt levels pose significant risks to economies and countries.

High levels of private and public debt, along with rising interest rates, are creating uncertainty in the economic outlook. In Ernest Hemingway’s novel *The Sun Also Rises*, a British aristocrat famously explains his bankruptcy with the phrase, “Two ways. Gradually,…

The Philippines: The Political Context Behind the New Samurai Bond Issuance

The Philippines is seeking Japanese support to help manage its growing debt as part of a broader effort to strengthen bilateral relations. The Department of Finance (DoF) is considering issuing yen-denominated samurai bonds in addition to or instead of traditional…

Addressing Challenges in Achieving Sustainable Cost Optimization in Banks

While banks globally are adjusting their IT strategies to optimize costs, a survey by Infosys reveals that only about 25% are seeing the expected results from these initiatives. The survey covered banks in North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, focusing…

Converse Bank: Advancing Financial Solutions in Armenia

After 30 years of contributing to Armenia’s financial sector, Andranik Grigoryan, CEO of Converse Bank, continues to focus on innovation through a range of mobile and digital services designed to enhance the customer experience. Converse Bank has a notable history,…