Optimism is running high in both the political and financial systems in France, says Société Générale’s private banking supremo Jean-Francois Mazaud

Having embarked on the road to recovery after a near-fatal banking crisis, the Mediterranean island of Cyprus is looking to re-establish itself as a regional business base, while hopes for an end to division of the island, partly occupied since the Turkish invasion of 1974, are also rising. PWM talks to financial firms, legal advisers, government agencies and politicians about how expertise in trust and company formation may help the jurisdiction catch new wealth from both Russia and the Middle East, whereas a vibrant shipping industry and real estate market are making Aphrodite’s island more attractive

While the UK lurches from one political crisis to the next, its European rivals are gearing up to capitalise on the Brexit fallout, with a revitalised Paris claiming it is the natural choice for any firms fleeing London 

With government bonds and real estate looking less attractive, the time is right for robo-advisers to step in and offer something a little different to Italian investors, believes Mario Bortoli, CEO of digital wealth manager Euclidea 

Swiss institutions have successfully managed the move to banking transparency, believes Yves Mirabaud, but being outside the EU continues to pose problems for the country’s financial industry

A number of London’s financial services firms could well be looking for eurozone bases following Brexit, and Luxembourg is well positioned to take advantage. But the Grand Duchy is also worried about possible US protectionist moves

A forthcoming raft of privatisations and cheap labour costs are driving interest in Romania as an investment destination

Paloma Piqueras, head of  BBVA Asset Management, explains how technology is central to boosting client relationships, but admits getting conservative Spanish investors to take on more risk can be a challenge