The financial services industry has faced several key issues including:

Trading and Risk Management Complexities - The explosive growth of derivatives and other exotic instruments has caused transaction volumes to surge and has dramatically complicated risk exposure.

Increasing Regulation - Some high profile lapses in corporate governance have prompted worldwide regulatory response including the Sarbanes Oxley and Patriot acts, Basel II and a host of anti money laundering measures.

Global Competition - Globalized markets and aggressive consolidation have commoditized products, compressed margins and intensified competition.