20 Apr 2017

SURVEY: 82% think more firms will set up in Europe because of Brexit

Nothing to worry about, if anything positive for UK as its firms will have to set their eyes on export markets in a more pro-active manner. Free of the cost of EU membership (mostly socialist redistribution to the unworthy) and regulation Britain should do well. Being ruled by one government rather than a committee of 27 should speed up decision making.
SURVEY: 82% of investors think more firms will set up in Europe because of Brexit

14 Apr 2017

Softbank acquires Fortress - Marriage made in Heaven or Hell?

There could be no greater discrepancy between the business model of these two parties. Apart from the fact that Fortress alone already has its fingers in too many pies, this deal seems to increase the impact of 'diworsification' by the power of two. It will be interesting to see how this pans out over time. In the meantime, hats off to the Fortress Principals, it looks like an excellent deal for them!
The Fall of Fortress

13 Apr 2017

Compensation: Excessive focus on individual performance dangerous

Compensation based on share price development? This is contrary to all sensible pay schemes and one of the main contributing factors to excessive executive pay. Maybe this works in the confines of a small investment boutique but even there it is not clear what the scheme could do to improve the performance produced for investment clients.
Excessive focus on individual performance is inherently dangerous, says Barry Olliff | City A.M.

12 Apr 2017

ABarclays exec breaks silence over LIBOR-rigging

Anyone who has worked in a front-line trading/sales position will know that nothing is more tedious than giving out regular valuations to customers, esp if the relevant security trades infrequently. Apart from the tedium it is not clear why a trader should not give a LIBOR quote that reflects his position. He/She is no god, or impartial regulator, any quote reflects a view. A lot noise about nothing! Just to keep the jobsworth in government, media in clover!
A Barclays exec who went to prison for LIBOR-rigging breaks his silence: 'Traders have been served up as fall guys to protect these more powerful senior bankers'

10 Apr 2017

UBS CEO: Switzerland is more important to America than China

Really? Most Americans would have trouble finding Switzerland on a Map! (maybe China as well)

UBS CEO: Switzerland is more important to America than China

France’s MinFin: London to lose Euro Clearing

Well, would not call this unelected bureaucrat 'prominent'. Arrogant would come to mind instead, but what is new? It is a tight clique that has France in it's grip, and the upcoming election will confirm the status quo. But as the Eurodollar market has demonstrated, the clearing cannot be controlled by administrative Diktat, even it the fawning Scribblerati don't have the guts or brains to point this out!
France’s finance minister Michel Sapin: London to lost euro clearing business - Business Insider

8 Apr 2017

BOE's Carney urges banks to prepare for all potential outcomes

OK, so what about WW3, Meteor impact? All these events COULD happen, more work for the jobsworths in the ever-expanding  regulatory realm.
Brexit: Mark Carney urges banks to prepare for all potential outcomes

29 Mar 2017

Apocalyptic forecasts for UK Finance miss key points

I am tired to repeat the same old arguments (first published back in Feb 2016!) that Brexit is not the Armageddon that some predict. While some firms will boost their presence on the Continent London will benefit by being more open to the 'rest' of the World. Being in sole charge of policy the UK will be much more nimble than the multi-headed EU bureaucracy that has to satisfy 27 squabbling member states. And spreading staff all over Europe will do nothing for the efficiency of the (mostly) larger financial firms that de-emphasise London. Why triggering Brexit signals a long, slow bleed for the UK banking sector

28 Mar 2017

ECB's Sabine Lautenschlager on Brexit banking passport tests

Refreshing honesty from a perfect representative of the 'Deep State', German version. Fortunately the major banks - they are the ones who do the predominant share of Continental European business - are well established in relevant countries. So this is more empty posturing by a life-long bureaucrat that has to sing to the statist hymn sheet.
ECB's Sabine Lautenschlager on Brexit banking passport tests - Business Insider

Brexit will bring four types of market distress

There will be some adjustment period and it could be turbulent. Problem with Brexit is that the final terms are not known so planning for the time after is tricky. Reason to get on with it - not hang around until 27 countries, the Eurocrats and the EU Parliament make up their mind.
Brexit will bring four types of market distress: Portfolio manager