Blog
The Libor effect on derivatives
The UK Court of Appeal is this week hearing two cases in an attempt to determine whether the Libor rate rigging scandal can be considered to be sufficient grounds for invalidating derivatives contracts. In the first of the cases Barclays attempts to overturn a previous judgement which would see it having to defend in court […]
Investment Performance Challenges
Gauging exchange-traded fund managed portfolios Morningstar’s EFT Investment conference saw an interesting panel discussion on the difficulties of gauging the performance of exchange-traded fund managed portfolios. The panel noted investor concerns with regard to these investments which were driven by two prime considerations; the lack of transparency in viewing results and an uncertainty over the […]
Banking Reform Bill Amendment on Payments and Securities Settlements
On 8th October the Financial Services (Banking Reform) Bill heads to the House of Lords for further consideration by their Lordships. Having listened to numerous opinions the Government has tabled more than 80 amendments which it proposes to add to The Bill. One such amendment relates to payments and securities settlements. This amendment, set out […]
How to create a successful family office?
By Bill Humphreys, Eureka Financial We are often asked the question “How do you create a successful family office?” This is a complex, multi-dimensional issue that cannot be fully addressed or “solved” in a short article but I will outline some of the key considerations. Defining family success and values First of all it is […]
Technologies required to improve (ORM) Operational Risk Management
Thompson Reuters published an interesting report available on Risklibrary.net discussing the specific technologies required for firms to improve their ORM processes, including ORM platforms, policy and procedure management, regulatory change management, and real-time risk intelligence. Defining ORM scope Operational risk is defined as “the risk of loss resulting from inadequate or failed internal processes, people and […]
Activist Investor Carl Icahn pushes for Apple buyback
By FT.com Activist investor Carl Icahn stepped up his campaign for Apple to return cash to investors, saying he had made the case to Tim Cook, the chief executive, for a $150bn buyback. Shares in Apple rose 2.2 per cent to $487.12 on Tuesday, as Mr Icahn tweeted and appeared on cable television to press his argument. Based on the $150bn […]
How underperformance affects fund managers behaviour
In the article written by Greg Richmond and Alistair Byrne, CFA within the Investment Risk and Performance series published by CFA Institute, authors are examining the ways in which fund manager behaviour changes after the experience of a period of substantial underperformance. When investment performance is good, the job of managing money brings many rewards. […]
International Payments Market Trends Overview
Warning over clearing-contagion risks At the recent Sibos conference in Dubai, delegates raised concerns over the risks associated with the collapse of a major clearing house. The general sentiment expressed was that international regulators had yet to get to grips with the potential domino effect should a clearing house fail. Catalyst consultant, Christian Lee, summed […]
AmBank recognised as one of Asia’s outstanding companies for corporate governance
According to the Sun Daily, AmBank Group was named “Asia’s Outstanding Company” at the recent Ninth Corporate Governance Asia Recognition Awards 2013 held in Manila, the Philippines. Corporate Governance Asia is a Hong Kong-based quarterly journal featuring news and analysis on corporate governance issues, boardroom performance and shareholder activism. “We are honoured to be recognised […]
The global market in Trade Finance
Growth Prediction for EMEA Syndicated Loan Market At the Loan Market Association’s (LMA) annual conference in London 800 delegates heard a range of speakers talk on the conference theme of “connecting members in a changing world.” One highlight was the recognition of the number and variety of “lenders” appearing in the commodity trade finance marketplace […]