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Finance International

Western and Islamic bank compliance a two-way street

With the Islamic financial sector growing rapidly in recent years, Western banks and their Islamic counterparts must make legal and regulatory compliance a top priority. As transnational trade realizes the

Asia Pacific Economics

Tokyo is passing its first TPP test with agricultural reform

The recent break by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party from the traditional partner, the agricultural lobby, and following announcements of a new agricultural policy heighten hope for the Trans-Pacific Partnership and

Middle East/North Africa Natural resources and energy

Oman and BP finalise natural gas deal, signalling regional change

The Sultanate’s recent natural gas deal with BP signals greater economic and energy prowess for Oman, and a shift toward independent action rather than cooperation with other Gulf nations. Oman

Asia Pacific Politics

Will demographics cause China to slow down?

Since the Third Plenum, China has been preoccupied with ongoing changes to its demographics. As much of Asia’s miracle growth has been attributed to demographics, changes to the composition of

Politics South and Central Asia

Alleged corruption scandal stirs Turkish political scene

The corruption probe that implicated high level bureaucrats, sons of three ministers and businessmen known to be close to the Justice and Development Party (AKP) sent shock waves through the

Latin America Politics

GRI Person of the year in political risk: President Pena Nieto

In one year Mexican President Enrique Peña Nieto has overhauled key branches of Mexico’s economy such as energy and telecommunications, while also working to increase government revenue. He has enacted

Economics International

Central banks rely on forward guidance

As interest rates remain low among developed economies, shaping expectations through communication is proving to be an effective monetary tool. Communicating the taper At its last monetary policy meeting, the

Asia Pacific Economics

One year in, is the honeymoon over for Abenomics?

Shinzo Abe celebrated his first year as Japanese Prime Minister in December, which also marked one year with Abenomics. For many, this will be a dismal anniversary, as the latest

Asia Pacific Natural resources and energy

Has India lost the bid for Sri Lanka’s hydrocarbons?

There have been signs of natural gas and oil reserves off the coast of Sri Lanka since the 1970s. However, a prolonged, bloody civil war lead to a halt in

International Security

3 unexpected risks posed by transnational organized crime

As globalization eases the flow of finances, goods, and ideas, political risk expands the opportunities and scope for criminal activity, which can have severe consequences for businesses. Organized crime is