The bank with tentacles: central banking
Article Abstract:
The Bank of Italy can singularly affect the whole Italian banking and finance industry, with access to the books of Italian banks and a comprehensive database on loan transactions. The Bank of Italy holds a 2% stake in 12 listed companies, ranging from financial companies, investment banks and various manufacturing concerns. The bank's equity portfolio in Dec 1996 was valued at $1.2 bil, and value is estimated to be considerably higher at present. These investments in various companies invite opportunities for insider trading, with the Bank of Italy wielding considerable shareholder influence.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1997
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The will to change
Article Abstract:
Pakistan has a stronger will for reforms in its public-sector banks than in previous reform efforts. Factors driving the reforms in 1997 include the increase in bad debts to 127 billion rupees, the high interest rates caused by widespread wastage, and the ongoing negotiations for an International Monetary Fund loan. Staff redundancies will be extensive. Habib Bank says it could make nearly a third of its employees redundant without damaging service quality. The Prime Minister has requested that banks reform by Apr 1998 in preparation for privatization in the summer of 1998.
Publication Name: Far Eastern Economic Review
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0014-7591
Year: 1997
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The harvest from the fog-bank
Article Abstract:
A simple facility that extracts water from mountain fog has brought health and prosperity to the arid fishing village of Chungungo, Chile. Nylon grids condense water from the fog, which is piped to the village. Cheap, available water has spawned community organization and development.
Publication Name: The Economist (UK)
Subject: Business, international
ISSN: 0013-0613
Year: 1995
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