Finance

Sticking with the tried and true isn’t the best recipe for economic growth, as Saudi Arabia has proven through its “organized disruption” philosophy at the heart of Vision 2030. The Kingdom is set to outperform other G20 economies. Why is the nation’s growth formula so successful, and what can other leaders learn from the Saudi experience?

In an economic environment characterised by uncertainty and volatility, how can investors prepare for the inevitable recovery and diversify their portfolios to capitalise on the opportunities that will bring long-term gains? Technology, healthcare, infrastructure, China and climate change are five investment drivers to consider.

If the SDGs are to be achieved, climate finance will have to expand and reach the regions where it is needed most, especially to developing countries in Asia and the Pacific. Capital markets can act as effective conduits, channelling capital toward climate-transition projects. What five actions would better align capital markets to meet climate-finance shortfalls?

During the pandemic, the remote-work model evolved from the work-life choice of a few to a health directive for many, and the ranks of digital nomads swelled, aided by technology. Employees now appreciate the savings in commuting expenses and time, forcing employers to adapt. But workers are finding that remote work brings its own costs.

European businesses hoped to see improving conditions as the pandemic waned, but this has not been the case. Bombarded by surging energy prices, inflation and interest rates along with a war in Eastern Europe, many fear for their futures. A recent PwC survey reveals the issues confronting businesses and investors. How can banks help?

Regulators have long targeted banks in their attempts to stem the flow of corrupt money via AML/CTF laws. Their gaze now extends to other “enablers”, including lawyers, raising questions about the right to representation versus the ethics of working on behalf of corrupt individuals while emphasising the need to choose one’s clients wisely.

Financial crime’s ability to cause havoc is escalating, and public and private actors are stepping up their efforts to confront it. But these counter-attacks are not enough. The financial ecosystem must embrace public-private data collaboration and harness an intelligence-led approach to improve its financial-crime-fighting credentials.

To succeed, a bank must make a financial return, but how it achieves success is rapidly changing as the sustainability credentials of investments become top concerns of customers and regulators. Identifying portfolio climate risks is the first step. The right data and technology will empower the changes needed for profitable green finance.

Central banks are scrambling to contain runaway prices with interest-rate hikes, yet China’s inflation remains below 3 percent. With Beijing’s zero-COVID policy restraining demand and little quantitative easing, inflation has been kept at bay—thus creating a widening divergence in the monetary policies of China and the rest of the world.

Undertaking comprehensive customer due diligence (CDD) on corporate vehicles such as companies, trusts, foundations, and partnerships, has inevitable challenges especially where complex ownership structures are in place. Financial Institutions need to know both the legal owner and the beneficial owner, i.e., who owns the organisation and controls and benefits from the activities of the organisation.