Despite optimism towards Asian equities, worries over Japanese stability have prompted many investors to turn their back on equities in the region. Elizabeth Cripps reports

Alain Papiasse of BNP Paribas was brought in to pursue an aggressive growth approach and dust down some of the company’s forgotten corners. But the purchase of Italian chain BNL has given him an exciting distribution opportunity. Yuri Bender reports

Making sure you have a comprehensive range of financial products is now about more than just plugging gaps by adding another product – it is about creating business solutions for to meet clients’ specific needs. Elisa Trovato reports

The concept of absolute return is gaining popularity even as its precise definition remains elusive. Elisa Trovato speaks to industry experts to clarify what it is and how to use it

Absolute return is now seen as a core investment. Credit Suisse’s asset management business explain how a wide range of absolute return strategies is necessary to cover as many portfolios as possible, regardless of risk budget

Arié Assayag, global head of hedge funds at SGAM Alternative Investments, explains how forward-thinking fund management houses can use their belief in the convergence between hedge fund management and traditional asset management to generate business success

A potential slow down in global markets could hit the outlook for corporate bonds, but few predict a severe impact. Also, fear of inflation could see a shift away from equities. Simon Hildrey reports

Boutique chief executive Jean-Louis Juchault is confident his financial future is brighter than his rally prospects. Yuri Bender reports