VOL. 38 NO. 7
This summer issue of the magazine coincides in many parts of the world with very high temperatures and the consequences of a long season of political elections that has touched India, many countries in Europe and the European Parliament, and in November will reach the United States. The political tension continues to rise in the US, especially since President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris. All this, in turn, affects decision-making at every level. Major decisions in companies and financial institutions are on hold, awaiting election results. Needless to say, corporate life goes on.
This month’s cover story focuses on the future of banks, with an eye, as is our style, to the global picture, not just the regional one. Commercial banks’ traditional role faces challenges resulting from strict regulation and changing technologies, but this also represents an opportunity. The increasing role of nonbanks, digital-only banks, and different nonbanking intermediaries has forced many banks to change their priorities. And yet, this offers some of them, particularly in advanced economies, an opportunity to shine in different market segments.
In this issue, we also present two of our key awards: Treasury and Cash Management and Sub-Custody. There are some repeat winners and, as often is the case, some new names. There are winners for some categories reflecting recent trends and developments in a sector that deals with major developments in payments, supply chain diversification, inflation, and geopolitical risks.
In addition, the sub-custody awards allowed us to look deeper into the changing role of corporates in dealing with their sub-custodians. The result of Anthony Noto’s research on the subject is quite surprising and interesting.
Andrea Fiano | Editor at Large
afiano@gfmag.com
