Financial services publications

FS Viewpoints
Our series of timely, thought-provoking and informative publications on current issues impacting the financial services industry.

regulatory highlights
 Financial services regulatory highlights: October 2009
Monthly newsletter providing insight on current regulatory issues.

Obama Administration international tax proposal: Focus on financial services organizations
A brief summary of how the Administration's proposed tax changes could affect financial services industry.
The new world of bank M&A in the US The new world of bank M&A in the US
Challenges and opportunities in the wake of the financial crisis
Capitalizing on a climate of change
 The issue of climate change is evolving from primarily a scientific and public policy concern to one of business risks and opportunities. Until recently, the impact of climate change on the deal market was barely on the radar of most businesses. However, national policy action on greenhouse gas emissions is requiring companies in virtually every industry to think about the impacts of energy and climate policies on their businesses.
Talent and the finance function: Cutting through the complexity Talent and the finance function: Cutting through the complexity
This paper examines some of the practical ways that talent management could be improved to help finance teams meet unfolding challenges. Written by PricewaterhouseCoopers finance and HR specialists from around the world, the paper is based on our practical experience of working with finance functions across the financial services industry.
Managing difficult financial reporting situations Managing difficult financial reporting situations
In this article, we provide an overview of actions management and audit committees can take to manage difficult financial reporting situations. We specifically discuss investigating potential accounting errors that may involve misconduct and evaluating materiality when a financial statement error is identified.
Financial Services M&A Insights: Transactions in a volatile environment
For the first six months of 2008, there were 375 financial services deals (disclosed and non-disclosed), a 29 percent decline in deal volume from the same period last year and a 26 percent drop from the second half of 2007. According to PricewaterhouseCoopers' Financial Services M&A mid-year outlook, continued instability in the industry, coupled with an influx of unsatisfactory news, some investors stayed on the sidelines. However, not all investors stayed away. Sovereign funds, non-US acquirers and private equity firms remained fairly active. Both sovereign funds and private equity firms will continue to be an important capital source for cash strapped banks.
Harvesting value while reducing costs: A rapid approach to organizational restructuring Harvesting value while reducing costs: A rapid approach to organizational restructuring
Financial services executives view access to key talent as a crucial source of competitive advantage. As CFOs carry out cost-cutting initiatives, they cannot afford to risk cutting the wrong people. Using a staged approach to cost reduction enables companies to build on quick wins and gradually create a culture of cost management. Value-based organizational restructuring, which quickly generates cost reductions without sacrificing valuable talent, can help fund subsequent reduction efforts, including sourcing, process reengineering, and technology automation, while optimizing the long-term value of the organization and its talent.
How to improve account reconciliation activities How to improve account reconciliation activities
This article explores common, recurring problems with account reconciliations and the practices that can improve their effectiveness and efficiency.


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