Imagine a time when banks functioned without computers. It’s literally unimaginable. The computer has become the banker’s best friend. Today, banking is on the brink of another great leap in innovation that may re-create the industry as we know it: quantum computing. Based on quantum mechanics, this developing technology promises lightning-fast processing speeds that boggle the mind. But before vision becomes reality, much preparation work still needs to be completed.
Prime Central London has long been a target for investors seeking a combination of luxury, culture, history and access to all London offers. Despite various uncertainties, London properties define the word prime, with some catering to those who yearn for the best of both worlds: green spaces yet still urban. For the buyer who can afford it, an apartment in the heart of London is guaranteed to bring multiple returns.
What does BMW, the German maker of the ultimate driving machine, have in common with its British subsidiary Rolls-Royce, creator of the extreme-luxury grand sedan? These opulent-vehicle manufacturers are the star players in the full-size luxury SUV category. Although you can buy several BMW X7s for the price of one Rolls-Royce Cullinan, each of these extravagant vehicles is guaranteed to provide the ride of a lifetime for the whole family.
“Two are better than one” is increasingly the case in investing, as humans team up with computers to reach the best investment decisions. Quantamental investing combines quantitative and fundamental strategies to make the most of both approaches, and it is finding increasing adoption, especially among traditional fund managers finding themselves at a disadvantage in the Digital Age. If done right, fusing the traditional with the technological does bring stellar returns.
Given the opportunity, who wouldn’t want to own a piece of a tropical paradise? As Ian Hurdle of the world-famous The Agency explains, real estate in the Caribbean continues to be as hot as some of those sultry summer days. With 7,000 islands exuding natural beauty, the Caribbean offers plenty of choices. What are the best options for the international investor yearning for the perfect slice of this delicious pie?
Those who look ahead, get ahead. Today, banks that are searching for the next growth opportunity may find it in the up-and-coming virtual economy. This economy is as confusing as it is varied, so banks need to build institutional understanding before plunging into the virtual asset market. Like any new frontier, this one carries risks, but the potential rewards are vast—and the opportunity to start building a leadership position is now.
Digital ledger technologies and crypto-assets have evolved from obscurity to prominence in recent years, bringing with them opportunity and risk. Initially regulators focussed primarily on mitigating risks to consumers but as the applications of the technology have continued to evolve the principle of technological neutrality demands a more adaptive approach. The challenge now is to harness the benefits for EU citizens of scaling up business applications whilst continuing to effectively mitigate the risks. The EBA shows the way.
Discussions regarding the pros and cons of issuing central bank digital currency continue around the world, and discussions evolved into issuance of digital collector coin in, Lithuania. In July, the Bank of Lithuania released the LBCOIN, “the world’s first blockchain-based digital collector coin”. Now that its first-of-its-kind digital collector coin is out, the BoL is setting an example to other central banks in an experiment that is exciting but immersed in its share of yet-to-be-answered questions.
The COVID-19 pandemic has placed immense stress on businesses of all sizes and all sectors across every part of the UK. The rapid response by government and industry has helped companies survive the initial economic impact, but looking ahead, it is clear that many businesses – particularly SMEs – will need help to tackle a debt burden that could hold them back or drag them under. To avert this crisis, an urgent and coordinated effort on the part of government and industry is a must. TheCityUK, supported by EY and over 200 financial experts from 50 firms across the financial and related professional services industry, developed a strategy that if implemented, may provide the lifeline that SMEs urgently require.
Banks exist to securely enable customers to conduct their financial affairs, but this requires changes in practices as customers change. While serving older customers who are comfortable with tried-and-true methods, legacy banks are being confronted with young clients who prefer to transact via their smartphones. In our fluid, tech-driven society, providing omnichannel solutions that meet customer expectations without compromising security is crucial for all banks competing in the “new norm”.