Reading between the lines of economy and business stories confirms that the massive injections of government money (Quantitative Easing) over the last 3 years is coming home to roost as expected in higher interest rates and inflation. Look for 1983 style interest rates (in some countries), inflation and sovereign defaults in the next few years. Britain triggers global inflation alarm | FT Data this week showing the UK’s consumer price index hit 3.7 per cent in December fuelled that concern and sent benchmark British borrowing costs to an eight-month high of 3.72 per cent.   Technorati Tags: Economy,inflation,defaults Continue reading Early warning signs showing up for higher interest rates and inflation

I thought this quote from David summarised his article perfectly as we watch the second bear market of the century wend its way. Why this market rally will end in tears | DAVID ROSENBERG Globe & Mail ‪Just as the 2003-07 bear market rally was built on a shaky foundation of unsustainable credit and house price appreciation, the current bear market rally has been built on even shakier ground of surreal public sector intervention. This may well have “saved the system” or “prevented a depression” back in the opening months of 2009, as many like to believe. However, the reality … Continue reading Why this market rally will end in tears | DAVID ROSENBERG Globe & Mail

There is an interesting post on the American Banker Bankthink blog that references an article in AB about safety of and access to information stored in the Amazon ‘cloud’. The reference point is the closure of Wikileaks site by Amazon at the apparent behest of the US government.  The article refers to this as censorship and sees it as a hurdle to cloud adoption. They have this all wrong and here is why.  The ‘cloud’ is no more than a big server and set of services.  At some levels it is theoretically equivalent to a server in a co-location facility;   … Continue reading American Banker are wrong to categorise the Wikileaks Amazon matter as a cloud issue

Today Banco Sabadell presented its new mobile banking release, including remote deposit capture and a specific Android version. Here is a a nice supporting video demonstrating their new app for cheque capture and deposit using iphone.   Watch carefully and see it pick up the transit, account number and amount.    For more go here.   Technorati Tags: Banco Sabadell,smart phone cheque capture,mobile,Spain Continue reading Banco Sabadell presents its new mobile banking innovation for 2011 with cheque capture

Congratulations to James on joining Spigit.  Now we know why he was making all those trips to California. http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Spigit-Expands-With-Appointment-Dr-James-Gardner-Lead-New-International-Operations-Team-1381368.htm "As the proven leader in idea management software solutions in the U.S., we’re ready to expand our efforts globally," says Paul Pluschkell, CEO and Co-Founder of Spigit. "James’ proven ability to build and lead successful innovation programs across large organizations makes him uniquely qualified to grow our international business." He will be based in London. @FredericBaud Yes still in London, but running around travelling much more I expect. bankervision 5 mins Technorati Tags: bankervision,James Gardner,Spigit Continue reading Spigit Expands With the Appointment of Dr. James Gardner to Lead New International Operations Team

There is more than a little irony in this comment from Gareth Davies, head of European ABS research at JPMorgan.  The best part is that he notes it will set the market back from the last 12 months positive momentum.  No kidding Gareth and I am sorry your bonus will be less! European securitisations face S&P downgrade | FT “Its not the impact on the ABS professional that I worry about; they’re hardened from three years of torrid markets. Rather it’s [the impact on] the risk managers and senior managers since we’ll now have to explain again that securitisation is … Continue reading “Securitisation is not the work of the devil” | S&P beg to differ

RBC are moving to a store oriented branch environment with focus on interaction rather than the usual customer/ staff with a counter in between. This article notes RBC are partnering with Microsoft to implement the Microsoft Surface in the newest designs. There is an accompanying video which covers the branch concept and features some applications for the Surface.   Technorati Tags: Micsoroft Surface,RBC,Branches Continue reading RBC partner with Microsoft for ‘Surface’ in branches