CoverSitting in our UK office, it feels like the world has falling into financial limbo at present. April 5 marked the end of the financial year, but many are holding fire on 2015/2016 decisions as we await the outcome of the General Election on May 7.

Across the pond, it seems the US is also playing the waiting game. According to our regular columnist, Kully Samra from Charles Schwab, ‘US stocks are on a hamster wheel — a lot of movement to get nowhere’ as the market waits the Federal Reserve’s decision on interest rates.

Globally, first quarter results have been coming in from all corners, with a general uptick in revenues and profits being seen across the board. A slow but steady approach seems to be the way forward for many.

In this month’s issue, we look at one of the burning issues of finance at the moment – challenger banks. The growing use and demand of digital is leading to a new breed of bank, and the High Street institution is feeling the pinch. Read three alternating views on challenger opportunity and threat in our special feature.

In a similar vein, alternative finance options continue to develop. Art lending is not new, but it is seeing a resurgence in favour among ultra high net worth individuals, as they put their priceless assets up as guarantees. See ‘Priceless’ to get Paul Ress’ insight into recourse and non-recourse loans.

Staying ‘alternative’, in this month’s Finance Monthly, Preqin considers the growing use of separate and managed accounts in alternative assets.

This month’s issue also provides industry insight on Environmental Due Diligence, as well as looking at Data Protection, Private Equity, Actuarial and Benefit Consulting, and Discretionary Fund Management, plus lots more.

In next month’s magazine we will be looking in-depth at Corporate Finance, Outsourcing and Pensions, with a special Country Profile on Luxembourg.

In the meantime, please visit our website to stay up-to-date on industry news as it happens, have your say via our online poll, and don’t forget to sign up for our new e-newsletter to receive all the latest news from the world of corporate finance direct to your inbox.

Sarah McCay
Editor – Finance Monthly