Author Archives: Darren Marchal

Blooming portfolio

Instead of being defeated by the political upheavals in Lebanon, the nation’s leading financial institution has acquired valuable banking lessons from repeated domestic crises as it embarks on a second wave of growth beyond its home borders. Blom Bank is parlaying its historic reputation for low-risk, innovative trade finance into full-service operations in some of…

Captain’s knock

Editor’s note This is an archived article. For the cover story concerning Sir Allen Stanford please click here. Sir Allen’s new and innovative cricketing enterprise is merely the latest innings in a business empire that spans financial services to upmarket real estate development, hospitality and professional sports. We talked to the Sir Allen about his…

The rising sun

Japan’s big banks, unburdened by heavy subprime losses, and stuck with sputtering growth at home, are once again investing and lending abroad, but investors should not expect a string of blockbuster buyouts. Only a few years removed from a bad-loan crisis that pushed many lenders to the brink of collapse and sparked widespread industry consolidation,…

How To Approach Boat Slip Investments In Today’s Economy

The Future of the Boat Slip MarketOver the past 10 years, many investors (especially those who are also boat owners) have undoubtedly read many articles and heard the buzz terms “Dockominiums” and “Rackominiums”. Although the terms are often used incorrectly, they are always used to describe an individually owned “in-water boat slip (wet slip)” or “rack boat…

How To Buy Real Estate And Build Your Home In Nicaragua

Buying real estate and building in Nicaragua can be intimidating for first-timers. Beyond the many unknowns, a potential language barrier can make things seem nearly impossible. Fortunately, many pathfinders have successfully navigated the process, proving that it can be done without even needing to be in Nicaragua.Proper planning is vital when buying real estate and…