Financial centres are focused on the rivalry between competing hubs, but so much more can be achieved by working together

The world is changing, with a US presidential transition under way and encouraging results from vaccine trials showing a possible way out of the Covid crisis. But what will the new world order look like and how should private banks respond?

Private banks have, in large part, adapted well to the challenges thrown up by the pandemic. But the real winners going forward will be those which are able to combine relationship management with investment performance

Leading private banks are scrambling to boost their private equity operations, claiming the hard-to-reach asset class will give clients the returns they need, and bring in healthy fees to boot. But haven’t we seen this all before, back when structured products and hedge funds were all the rage?

The world is changing and many political leaders appear out of touch. But those businesses and financial firms which embrace diversity, ESG criteria and the digital world will find they are in step with their client base

Western liberal democracy was shaken by the fallout from the 9/11 terrorist attacks and the global financial crisis, but the coronavirus pandemic looks likely to leave an even longer-lasting mark. With governments across the world dealing with the threat in their own countries, are we entering a world where national self-interest is the new normal? 

Fixed income has traditionally played an anchor role in both private and institutional portfolios, providing both yield and a counterbalance to equities. But right now traditional bonds are fulfilling neither of those roles, so it is time to replace them?

Private banks are well aware they need to adjust their offer to clients, with an increasing focus on private equity, real estate and ESG products along with a shift in the way they manage relationships