Nadim Kassar, Chairman, Fransa Invest Bank

On the back of the unprecedented events of the Arab Spring, Lebanon’s economic activity has slowed dramatically in 2012, with growth falling far below that of previous years. However, Nadim Kassar of Fransa Invest Bank suggests the country is well-positioned to grow its economy on stable and sustainable grounds, and to develop an investment environment.

Saad Azhari, Chairman and General Manager, Blom Bank

Blom Bank is spreading far and wide, with operations today through the MENA region and across Europe. General Manager Saad Azhari explains his personal focus on securing medium and long-term growth for the group, as well as the unique Blom Giving project – a banking card that funds landmine removal.

Artem Konstandyan, President, Promsvyazbank

Many Russian businesses were taken by surprise by the financial crisis and the country’s interconnection with the global economy. However, as Promsvyazbank’s Artem Konstandyan points out, Russia has weathered the crisis well and has huge potential for growth, with just 24 percent of the population estimated to have bank accounts, a rising per capita income, and increasing demand for financial products. He describes PSB’s plans to expand its retail services alongside its historic strengths.

Jeff Holland, Partner, Brown Brothers Harriman

Considerable regulatory and cost pressures have forced private banks to adopt new business models and distinguish clearly between their client segments. Brown Brothers Harriman has identified one emerging trend caused by this perfect storm: ‘multi-convergence’, where universal banks, private banks and asset managers are consolidating their businesses. Jeff Holland explains the changing landscape.

Paul Patterson, Head of Global Trust, RBC Wealth Management

In recent years, the Channel Islands have implemented higher standards of regulation. Combined with their natural strengths of political stability, tax neutrality and a large pool of wealth management talent, they have become recognised as high-standard financial centres. Paul Patterson outlines how RBC Wealth Management’s Canadian heritage, strong capital base, and uniquely integrated delivery put it ahead of its competitors in private banking, and describes some of the future opportunities that will arise from operating in the Channel Islands.