200804 April 2008 | The Growth and Dynamics of Private Equity in the Middle East
In response to the U.S. financial crisis, the global investment community has shifted its focus to emerging markets. Major private equity funds, finding themselves with a surplus of capital, are increasingly considering investments in the Middle East, a region with significant capital needs and a strong focus on growth. This research identified economic and business drivers of private equity’s growth in this region, the major players in the area, and some investing pitfalls. |
200804 April 2008 | Dealing with the Localization Trend
Given China’s recent economic growth, it’s no surprise that the country’s venture capital and private equity sectors have boomed. However, recent trends point to the Chinese government’s increased caution regarding foreign investors, in part to encourage domestic investors and grow local capital markets. Recent regulatory changes and initiatives, along with the formation of government-backed sovereign and industrial development funds, have driven a strong localization trend requiring foreign investors to act strategically to compete with local players. |
200804 April 2008 | Making Microfinance Work in South Africa
In South Africa, the financial services sector has focused on populations in top Living Standards Measures (LSM), leaving the poor with little access. Despite success in many other countries, the traditional Grameen Bank model of microfinance has not yet penetrated South Africa’s dual economy of extreme inequality. Why hasn’t the model worked in South Africa? |
200704 April 2007 | David vs. Goliath in the Far East
China’s purchasing power parity is rising even faster, potentially passing the US’s by 2011. These forecasts make clear that China’s banking and financial systems will grow in leaps and bounds. And such growth, while beneficial in many regards, always comes with new dynamics and challenges for the players involved. |