Opinion

As mentioned, last week was a clearing and settlement week, with lots of discussions about the issues of clearing in Europe.  You would think if it was clearing, it should be clear … but it's a real mess of complexity and confusion if we're honest. In Europe, part of the issue comes down to the…

It surprises me to read that a teen intern's paper on social media has created a massive flurry of interest in Morgan Stanley and their clients' middle-aged management teams. "The Financial Times reported today that the US investment bank's European media analysts asked Matthew Robson, a (15-year old) intern from a London school, to write…

As mentioned, last week was a Remittances week in Rome. Remittances continually intrigues me as a market, especially the major focus financial institutions are now placing on this area as an opportunity. This is contradictory as those who need remittance services the most are often those who do not use banks or have bank accounts. …

As mentioned, last week was a Remittances week in Rome. Remittances continually intrigues me as a market, especially the major focus financial institutions are now placing on this area as an opportunity. This is contradictory as those who need remittance services the most are often those who do not use banks or have bank accounts. …

It occurred to me today that many of the revolutions in banking have occurred as a result of technology change. For example, the mainframe enabled back office automation of accounts to support banks becoming national and international behemoths. Without the power of the mainframe systems of the 1960s, Visa, MasterCard and SWIFT would not exist…

It occurred to me today that many of the revolutions in banking have occurred as a result of technology change. For example, the mainframe enabled back office automation of accounts to support banks becoming national and international behemoths. Without the power of the mainframe systems of the 1960s, Visa, MasterCard and SWIFT would not exist…

I got caught up in a debate about pay and remuneration in finance this week. This is because Stephen Hester at RBS had his package hiked to £9.6 million if he delivers all of his targets – of which the main target appears to be achieving a 70 pence share price as that will make…

The shock death of Michael Jackson last night created a raft of news stories about how it has impacted the world of global connections via the internet. From the crash of Google, to the explosion of Facebook and Tweets about him, to the proof that we can't even spell his name, to amazing tributes (and…

The shock death of Michael Jackson last night created a raft of news stories about how it has impacted the world of global connections via the internet. From the crash of Google, to the explosion of Facebook and Tweets about him, to the proof that we can't even spell his name, to amazing tributes (and…

I was asked twice yesterday about cloud computing. Firstly by a friend who wanted to know how it related to payments; and then by another mate in the investment world. The latter was inspired by a new report from IBM and SIFMA that states that cloud computing is ready for prime time: A survey of…