Recent Insights

Financial institutions M&A sector trends: specialty finance/marketplace lending — H2 2019 and outlook for 2020

Financial institutions M&A sector trends: banks — H2 2019 and outlook for 2020

Financial institutions M&A sector trends: brokers/corporate finance — H2 2019 and outlook for 2020

We highlight the key European M&A trends in the second half of 2019, and provide our insights into the outlook for M&A moving forward

Financial institutions M&A sector trends: payments — H2 2019 and outlook for 2020

Growth in the European leveraged finance market remained steady in 2019, with 2020 set to continue at pace, with enhanced focus on the trade-off of protection from risk versus a higher yield.

Financial institutions M&A sector trends: fintech — H2 2019 and outlook for 2020

Financial institutions M&A sector trends: consumer finance — H2 2019 and outlook for 2020

Financial institutions M&A sector trends: stock exchanges/clearing houses/trading venues — H2 2019 and outlook for 2020

Financial institutions M&A sector trends: asset/wealth management — H2 2019 and outlook for 2020

While global M&A fell in 2019, the US forged ahead, maintaining its year-on-year value and taking a greater share of the global deal market.

Our countdown illustrates the key dates and milestones on the road to Brexit. We will share regular updates regarding the progress of the Brexit negotiations as they unfold.

Despite the sector's current strong performance, many survey respondents believe the industry needs even more capital and liquidity. In addition, most expect restructurings and insolvencies to increase in 2020

Our exclusive survey of senior executives who have financed the aviation industry in the past three years reveals that the overall investment outlook for the sector is bright, with one region in particular set for larger growth than its global equivalents

Aviation finance is proving its resilience amid a cooling global economy. Our survey finds that senior executives in the sector are optimistic that global levels of aircraft financing will increase in 2020.

Economic volatility, political unrest and fierce competition are all seen as major challenges to the sector in the coming 12 to 18 months. Meanwhile, respondents are preparing for rising oil prices and growing industry consolidation

The multiplicity of financing sources such as asset-backed security, insurance and leasing companies has been crucial for the sector. In this section, we reveal the origins and sources of expected funding in 2020

We explore key takeaways from our exclusive survey and what they could mean for the aviation industry and aviation finance

The global mining & metals sector is facing one of its most challenging transitions yet, as the industry is considering how it can best position itself to regain and maintain stakeholder confidence on ESG matters

What businesses need to know for a strategic approach

The strategic value of paying attention to areas that benchmarks assess

Thoughtful business participation in benchmark reviews

Japan expanded the scope of industries subject to prior notification for Inward Direct Investment in 2019

In December 2018, a new decree expanded the scope of the French national security review, especially in the technology sector

While few deals are challenged in Canada, national security reviews are becoming more common and complex

National security interventions have largely been confined to defense-related transactions

Deals are generally not blocked by the Italian government. However, in connection with the clearance process, conditions may be imposed that can have a significant impact on the investment

China has developed its own national security review regime over the past years, but the review process and relevant rules and guidance continue to be subject to further clarifications

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy further tightened foreign direct investment control, but the investment climate remains liberal

A new European Foreign Direct Investment regulation harmonizing investment controls came into force

Deals are generally not blocked in Finland

A guide to navigating the rules for investing in countries that require foreign direct investment approval

Most deals are approved, but the landscape is becoming increasingly complex, as more types of transactions are subject to review and some filings are mandatory

Australia requires a wide variety of investments by foreign businesses to be reviewed and approved before completion

The Russian government clarified requirements to disclosure of information about foreign investors' beneficiaries, beneficial owners and controlling persons

Valdis Dombrovskis has a full in-tray that includes securing the EU banking and capital markets union as he begins his term at the European Commission.

As technology reshapes the banking industry, regulators are rising to the challenge.

The Financial Regulatory Observer regularly sets spotlights on selected topics driving the regulatory and technological changes in the financial industry.

Current rules fall short of providing a clear framework for a single European market for fintech companies.