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A few weeks ago many
thought a breakup up the eurozone was
"unthinkable". Today, "disaster plans" are being made by
numerous banks to allow for just that event.
The Wall Street Journal reports Banks Ponder Euro-Zone Split
A
key part of the world's foreign-exchange trading infrastructure is bracing
itself for the possibility of a breakup of the euro zone,
the latest sign investor concerns about the Continent's debt crisis are on
the rise.
CLS Bank International, which operates a platform in which banks settle most
of their currency trades, is running "stress tests" to prepare for
the possible dissolution of the euro, according to people familiar with the
situation.
Some of the 63 banks that co-own CLS are making similar plans. "We
always plan for contingencies," said a senior executive at one of the
largest currency-dealing banks.
New York-based CLS is by far the biggest name in the currency market known to
be making preparations for such a scenario. Analysts with Japanese bank
Nomura Holdings said Friday that a euro breakup is a "very real
risk," while HSBC Holdings analysts told clients on Tuesday that it's
"not unimaginable" for countries to leave the euro zone.
This is the kind of discussion and action that is
needed because a breakup appears inevitable.
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