June 2019

Economies depend on productivity growth to raise wages and living standards. Why isn’t an era of unprecedented innovation also seeing major gains in productivity?

If innovation doesn’t deliver value to customers, what’s the point?

Banks tap into technology and social media to satisfy corporate clients, traders and retail customers.

Using technology and creativity, banks help clients—big and small—reduce paperwork and costs.

This year’s expanded scope of entries shows how banks are using digital technologies to think outside the box.

Digital innovations have utterly transformed payments, making every choice more personal—and more mobile.

Islamic bankers are developing innovations and workarounds that enable them to bring Shariah-compliant services into the digital age.

Though still relatively new themselves, the world’s top fintech labs are helping startups, banks and governments devise fresh solutions and uncover untapped opportunities.

With creative deployment of technology, banks are competing with tech firms while helping corporate and retail clients manage their cash.

Isaac Kamuta, group head of Cash Management and Client Access at Ecobank, explains how technology is helping Africa provide the next level of financial services.

Evans Munyuki, chief digital officer for Emirates NBD, reveals how to create a fully digital ecosystem and highlights the technologies with the most promise.

Bidyut Dumra, head of Innovation, Technology and Operations at DBS Bank, talks about internal and external innovation.

As Brazil steps closer to open banking, Gustavo Fosse, director of Technology, Banco do Brasil, explains how payments innovations are bringing change to Latin America, and new proposals to give consumers more control over their own data.

Jordi Nicolau, executive director of Global Customer Experience at CaixaBank, addresses fintech trends and open banking.

Ty Panagoplos, CIO of TD Securities, explains the importance of technology and talent in keeping pace with change.

Alexey Kruglov, acting director of the Digital Business Platform Department of Sberbank’s Retail Business Block, talks about how the bank focuses innovation to meet real needs.

Maria Gotsch, president and CEO of the Partnership Fund for New York City, visited Global Finance to discuss the Fund and how its FinTech Innovation Lab is designed to promote innovations that yield useful benefits.

Another real-world use for blockchain.

Comedian wins the Ukrainian presidential election.

187 countries around the world agreed to reduce their use of plastics.

Central bankers are increasingly environmentally-conscious.

The explosion in digital technology is transforming the job of chief financial officer.

South Africa is increasingly difficult to govern.

Four nations are replacing their central bank governors.

Panama's new president faces daunting struggle against corruption.

Is Terry Gou Taiwan's Donald Trump?

Financial innovation continues despite Libya's strife.

Biometric technology faces litigation.

The EU's alternative to Paypal is off to a slow start.

Disney's effort to acquire parts of Fox cleared hurdles abroad.

Italy's largest bank bucks the trend towards greater social media presence.

Environmentally-friendly investment takes another step forward.

The Bolsonaro administration's reform agenda faces hurdles.

Are humanitarian bonds the answer to aid shortfalls?

Morocco’s growth will continue to slow in 2019 but its strengths point to an acceleration down the road.

The Caribbean’s long-term outlook hinges on diversifying out of tourism and commodities and turning climate change challenges into growth opportunities.