Banks

The consumer watchdog agency, “Which?”, has announced the launch of a new, major campaign calling for banking reform in the UK.  The campaign, called “Big Change” reveals some startling statistics about the banking industry and promotes a three-pronged solution.  It’s an admirable campaign.  There’s only one problem:  It won’t work.  The Banks will refuse to […]

Have you been short of banking stocks recently. How is that working out for you? What has been surprising in terms of the banking sector in the recent past is the way that while one would have thought intuitively that the Libor scandal might have done from some or all of the contenders in this […]

On August 1, 2012, I wrote an article about Royal Bank of Scotland Group (LSE:RBS).  In it I said that buyers would gain upper hands, especially following a long period of bearish run. The technical analysis used showed that the stock was supposed to rally after an extended downward movement. The technical reason behind this […]

British taxpayer-backed Royal Bank of Scotland (LSE:RBS) unveiled its plan to float its insurance business in compliance with its commitment to the European Commission after the bank was rescued for a £45 billion bailout in 2008, the bank said earlier today. Direct Line Group, Britain’s largest motor, personal, home, and commercial insurance business, is to […]

It is difficult to resist investigating the case of the Banned Banker of HBOS. This particular section of the community is clearly loved by us so much that we have chosen to save their businesses and jobs via billions in bailouts over the past five years. But at the same time we do not seem […]

What is it that the banking industry doesn’t understand?  What is it that Barclays doesn’t understand?  There are days when the news is absolutely befuddling.  This is one of them. What the FSA is Saying to Barclays Just reading the morning headlines about Barclays ought to be confusing to UK banking customers.  “Regulator warns Barclays: […]

British Banks have not lost their way, as some suppose.  They have re-defined their way.  And Martin Wheatley knows it.  The Managing Director of the Financial Services Authority, and future CEO of the newly created Financial Conduct Authority, served notice that commissions paid to bank employees for the selling of financial products and services will […]

Barclays plc (LSE:BARC) has finally named its new Chief Executive Officer and it turned out to be one of its own. Antony Jenkins, who, before today, was head of Barclays’ Retail and Business Banking, was chosen amongst internal and external candidates for the post in a search that, according to the bank’s outgoing Chairman Marcus […]

“What a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” Was there a banking scandal in Sir Walter Scott’s day, or did he foresee one coming?  Whatever, the answer, he sure got it right.  The banking world is a mess.  It seems like Barclays has been in the headlines more often in the […]

Standard Chartered (LSE:STAN) is a global bank offering financial services in nearly 70 countries.  Although headquartered in London, the bank is heavily involved in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.  The banking firm often provides its services in developing countries with emerging markets.  This business strategy made it one of the best performing banks during […]