Technology

Companies thrive through innovation. It is an engine for growth and survival. Over time it distinguishes winners and losers, and it constantly redefines competition.

Gautam Jain, global head of digitization and client access, Transaction Banking, Standard Chartered Bank, talks about the bank’s role in a blockchain proof-of-concept joint effort.

Adam Boukadida, deputy treasurer for Etihad Airways, talks treasury transformation vision, goals and strategy. 

Suresh Kumar, CIO and senior executive vice president of BNY Mellon, discusses the development of the Nexen Ecosystem. 

Peter Nabicht, co-founder of 12Sided Technology, sees the data deluge in the FX space as a boon traders—if they have the technology to manipulate the data.

Coca-Cola’s director of international treasury services, Jim Aschmeyer, explains how a strong relationship with Citi aids innovation and cash management. 

The blockchain is getting all the attention these days—along with technology’s capacity for improving the customer experience.

Corporates today need more agility to meet regulatory requirements and manage volatility, hence technology plays a growing role in treasury departments.

UK: The April launch of Atom Bank is a new chapter for seasoned entrepreneur Anthony Thomson.

Ralph Hamers, CEO and chairman of ING Group, talks with Global Finance about how ING’s lending practices and use of fintech are bolstering the bank—and sustaining the environment. 

Special Report: Fintech
As banks rush to find areas where the blockchain can save them time and money while creating opportunities, it’s hard to see exactly how this might shape future banking processes.

In the past century, gains in productivity and living standards were made as a result of advances in technology. But where can we expect gains to come from in this century—and are they likely to be gradual or dramatic? The answer depends on whether you believe the optimists or the pessimists.

Smart corporates are using mobile apps to collect real-time data, analyze it and feed it to employees, who can respond immediately. Companies that neglect these tools could find themselves at a disadvantage.

Japan’s Financial Services Agency is preparing legislation allowing the government to relax restrictions on fintech investment, promising a technological jolt to one of the world’s biggest financial markets.

The new year started with unusually negative intensity and uncertainty in the financial markets and the global economy.

The $5 trillion-a-day foreign exchange market is changing rapidly, as electronic execution platforms control the bulk of trading and bank dealers streamline operations in response to growing pressure from regulators to cut trading risks and boost capital. 

Steady revenue streams make transaction banking attractive during times of volatility. But tech and upstart competitors are remaking the business.

Q+A
David Newns, global head of State Street’s Currenex, says the diversity and liquidity provided by ECN (electronic communications networks) trading are keenly important to banks.
 

FinTech | Trends
The launch of the blockchain-enabled asset trading platform Nasdaq Linq, Goldman Sachs’ filing of a patent for a securities settlement system based on a new virtual currency called SETLcoin, and the continued rise of blockchain banking consortium R3 all point to a race by financial institutions to harness the power of the blockchain.

Q+A
Richard de Roos, global head of foreign exchange, Standard Bank, says a deep understanding of client needs comes over time, with continuous engagement and constant feedback.