IntaCapital Swiss, Author at IntaCapitalSwiss SA

Which platforms are most trusted* for managing business funding options?

Written by IntaCapital Swiss on July 2, 2026. Posted in News & Reports. Leave a Comment

The architecture of corporate finance is continuously evolving. For decades, when a mid-market enterprise or a corporate borrower required expansion capital, structured project finance, or trade facilities, the primary gateway was a traditional commercial bank.

Today, the funding landscape is far more diversified. While traditional commercial banking groups remain the dominant force for standard, cost-effective corporate credit, a combination of evolving capital adequacy rules (such as Basel III) and shifting market dynamics has given rise to a robust alternative financing ecosystem.

For corporate treasurers, CFOs, and business owners, managing these alternative business funding options is no longer about choosing one exclusive path. Instead, it requires understanding how traditional bank debt, institutional private credit, digital fintech tools, and specialised boutique intermediaries can work together to meet specific liquidity needs.

1. Commercial banking groups (The anchor of low-cost structural capital)

Despite the rise of alternative financing, established commercial and investment banks remain the bedrock of corporate funding. For stable companies with strong credit histories, major banking institutions regularly facilitate complex structured finance, syndication, trade finance, and large-scale project finance – often at a significantly lower cost of capital than alternative markets.

When they are used:

Banks utilise a combination of sophisticated financial modeling and relationship-driven underwriting. They are the ideal choice for long-term, predictable capital requirements. However, their strict regulatory oversight means their onboarding and underwriting processes can be lengthy, and their risk appetite for non-standard assets or rapid turnarounds is inherently limited.

2. Institutional private credit & asset-based lenders

When a transaction falls outside a traditional bank’s risk framework or requires faster execution, direct lending via institutional private credit funds (such as industry giants like Ares, Blackstone, or specialised credit managers) has become a primary alternative.

Alongside these funds are dedicated asset-based lenders and invoice finance providers who specialise in unlocking working capital tied up in receivables, inventory, or machinery.

How they are managed:

Corporate borrowers frequently access these networks via digital B2B marketplaces (like SS&C Intralinks or Dealsuite) that act as secured deal rooms, or through corporate finance advisors who map out the company’s capital structure to match the right institutional fund.

3. Specialist financial intermediaries and boutiques

Boutique financial firms and independent corporate finance advisors occupy a specific niche in the market. They do not replace commercial banks or massive private equity funds; rather, they serve as specialised intermediaries for businesses facing complex financing scenarios or cross-border trade bottlenecks.

Boutiques are often brought in to arrange specialist financial instruments, such as:

Traditional trade finance: Structuring letters of credit (LC) and standby letters of credit (SBLC) directly backed by standard transactional collateral.
Alternative capital sourcing: Accessing private debt placements or specialised funding lines when a company’s balance sheet doesn’t fit standard banking models.
Collateral structuring: Navigating high-level alternative instruments, such as collateral transfer facilities, as specific, high-end mechanisms to temporarily secure credit lines.

A note on specialist instruments: Alternative financial structures, such as collateral transfer or specialised private debt placements, are highly sophisticated tools. They typically carry a higher cost of capital than traditional bank lending and require rigorous legal and financial due diligence to ensure appropriate risk management and regulatory compliance.

4. FinTech and digital liquidity platforms

For day-to-day liquidity and operational velocity, business financial technology platforms have become standard treasury tools. Platforms like Revolut Business, Airwallex, or Wise excel at cross-border cash management and multi-currency transactions, while embedded finance providers offer quick, revenue-based working capital lines.

While these tools are highly effective at providing flexible alternative funding for small business operations and fast-growth startups, they are fundamentally designed for short-term agility. FinTech platforms offer unmatched speed and transparency for transactional workflows, but they are rarely built to replace long-term, structural project capital.

Evaluating trust and legitimacy in alternative markets

Because the alternative finance and private debt space is less centralised than traditional banking, performing thorough due diligence on your funding partners and platforms is essential to mitigate the risk of mis-selling or opaque contract terms.

When assessing any platform, advisory, or intermediary, ensure they meet these standard institutional criteria:

Transparent cost profiles: Legitimate alternative providers are fully transparent about underwriting fees, legal costs, and interest margins upfront. Alternative finance is traditionally more expensive than bank debt; a credible partner will clearly outline the cost-benefit analysis.
Verified regulatory standing: Proximity to a respected financial center (such as Switzerland or London) does not automatically guarantee safety. Ensure that any firm you engage with is properly licensed, registered, and actively supervised by relevant financial conduct authorities (such as FINMA in Switzerland or the FCA in the UK).
Proven execution history: Avoid vague marketing claims regarding secret private networks. Trust is earned through a verifiable track record of navigating complex macroeconomic cycles and successfully executing structured deals.

The verdict

Managing modern business funding options requires a balanced, multi-channel approach. For high-velocity, transactional workflows, FinTech platforms provide the necessary digital infrastructure. For low-cost, established, and large-scale funding, commercial banks remain the premier choice.

However, when standard avenues are constrained, or a transaction requires bespoke financial structuring, working with a specialist boutique financial partner can help navigate alternative markets, access direct private credit, and structure compliant solutions tailored to your firm’s unique objectives.

To discover how our specialized finance experts can help your business evaluate alternative funding options and navigate today’s complex credit landscape, explore the latest insights from IntaCapital Swiss. Contact us today.

*”Trusted” refers to funding channels and intermediaries evaluated on their regulatory compliance, data security, and transparency. Alternative finance structures often carry a higher cost of capital than traditional bank lending and require independent financial due diligence. This content does not constitute formal financial advice.

What Will Happen to the UK’s Economy if Great Britain Rejoins the European Union?

Written by IntaCapital Swiss on July 1, 2026. Posted in News & Reports. Leave a Comment

Ten years ago, on the 23^rd June 2016, Great Britain voted by 51.89% to 48.11% to leave the European Union (EU), and Brexit* became official. Shortly after, the Prime Minister David Cameron, a leading voice for staying in the Union, resigned from the office. However, the politics of Brexit are changing, with polls revealing a majority of the UK population wish to return to the EU, along with many politicians, who are openly voicing their commitment to re-establishing closer bonds with the EU if not returning.

However, experts confirm that the United Kingdom’s former partners across the English Channel have made life as difficult as possible for companies in the UK doing business with them, and no doubt re-entering the bloc would not be an easy task. A number of expert analysts within this arena have said that even if the UK were to undergo a full partnership status, reversing everything Brexit stood for, it would restore only just over 50% of lost output that was lost by leaving the EU.

Experts suggest that a plus for the UK economy would be from joining the single market for goods, though Brussels has already rejected this option out of hand. Other possibilities include a Switzerland-style agreement based on a tailor-made package of interlocking trade deals, or rejoining the EU Customs Union to secure tariff-free trade. However, the recently resigned UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has repeatedly confirmed that the government will not pursue the “red line” freedom of movement, a customs union with Brussels, or single market access.

However, despite his recent rhetoric, the Prime Minister in waiting, Andy Burnham, according to experts, is an ardent anti-Brexiteer. As Keir Starmer’s government had begun to test the aforementioned red lines, it will be interesting to see where the labour government will go under his leadership. Indeed, officials in the UK have recently promoted legislation that experts suggest could be steps towards a Swiss style arrangement, with Brussels under the auspices or process known as “Dynamic alignment”*. This process allows the UK to adopt new EU regulations without a vote in parliament let alone being put to the country as a whole.

*Dynamic alignment – Is heavily tied to UK – EU trade and border arrangements and in the context of the United Kingdom, this is a legal and regulatory mechanism where the UK agrees to keep its domestic laws and standards continuously updated to match EU regulations. Unlike a static agreement where the EU and UK would have to renegotiate every time a new rule is introduced, rules automatically adapt as EU rules evolve under dynamic alignment.

*It is designed to ensure a level playing field for trade and allow goods such as agri-food products and electricity to cross UK – EU borders with minimal friction. Interestingly and ironically, the Brexit supporting policies of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson controversially used/invoked dynamic alignment in 2019 to speed up the process of the UK’s withdrawal from Europe.

Few can deny that over the last decade, Brexit has cost Britain. For the first sixteen years since 2000, the economy of the UK grew faster than France, Spain and Italy. However, according to data released from the UK’s ONS (Office of National Statistics), growth for the last eight years in the UK has been slower than France and half as fast as Spain and Italy. Many studies on growth have varied widely from a loss of 1.00% up to 8.00% with the BOE (Bank of England) pitching in at circa 3.50%. Indeed, trade with Europe had been on an upward trend before 2016, official data released show that compared with 2019, in 2025 imports from the EU were down 10% and exports were down 14%.

Some experts argue that rejoining the customs union or going for a Swiss-type deal will reduce some trade frictions, but the economic benefits will be much smaller. A full Brexit reset i.e., rejoining the EU as a full member they argue, would give a long-term boost to the economy reversing the estimated 2.00% – 8.00% loss in GDP (other estimates are a recovery of 50% of losses), remove all non-tariff trade barriers, massively boost business investment, and eliminate customs paperwork. Furthermore, analysts advise that over the long-term the UK should be able to recoup much of the £30 Billion in lost tax revenue since leaving the EU.

Rejoining the EU as a full member would require the UK to abandon all of its strict “red lines.” It would mean accepting single market access, the customs union, and the free movement of people across reopened borders. However, this could be a very tough sell politically, especially given the current public and political backlash in the UK surrounding immigration and border control.

Furthermore, experts argue the UK would have to ditch the pound in favour of the Euro, which Gordon Brown, the Chancellor of the Exchequer in the era of the Blair Labour government fought very hard for the UK to keep. The UK would have to adopt all EU laws, rules and regulations, and once again would have to kowtow to Brussels on a regular basis. Although the UK had previously negotiated a free membership fee of the EU, this time around the country would have to pay an estimated gross annual membership fee of £22 billion to £31 billion.

Are Chinese Bonds A Safe Haven?

Written by IntaCapital Swiss on June 24, 2026. Posted in News & Reports. Leave a Comment

It is well documented that in times of geopolitical crisis and economic upheaval, investors flee to safe havens such as gold, Switzerland and U.S. treasuries (U.S. Government Bonds). However, during the recent United States/Iran/Israel conflict, Chinese Government Bonds (CGBs) have emerged as a surprising safe haven where global asset managers have been adding these bonds to their portfolios.

Interestingly, investors have not been attracted by yields but by their virtual non-correlation with markets in the west. Indeed, since March, analysts advise that in Japan, Europe, the US, yields have soared between circa 35 – 60 BPS (Basis Points) as investors sold government bonds, whereas yields on CGBs have declined by 8bps.

Real money investors* have been attracted by the price stability of CBGs where there are being offered a preservation mandate as a counter balance to high-yielding riskier assets on portfolios. Indeed, during the current conflict, many asset managers reviewed their portfolios and bought into CGBs despite Chinese yields being pushed to the lowest in the market except for Japan and Switzerland.

*Real money investors — These are institutional investors such as asset managers, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, insurance companies and traditional mutual funds who invest on an unleveraged basis. This is in direct contrast to what is generally referred to as ‘fast money investors’, such as hedge funds who are highly leveraged and trade heavily on debt, and further rely on short-term trading strategies and derivatives to amplify returns.

The world has seen energy prices go through the roof since the start of the Middle East conflict on the 28^thFebruary this year resulting in inflation problems for many major economies. This has had a negative effect on government bonds, especially those bonds from Europe and the United States being held by investors, whilst bonds issued by the government of China have remained relatively inflation free.

Unlike many other countries, China holds significant reserves of energy, and as a result did not suffer an immediate supply shock, which resulted in domestic inflation remaining subdued. Further positive effects on inflation have been helped by a dovish monetary policy stance by China’s central bank, the People’s Bank of China (PBOC), which has resulted in a calm, low volatility, government bond market.

Experts have said that key drivers driving renewed foreign investment interest are the near zero-correlation to western markets and low volatility. In contrast, U.S. treasuries have been caught between competing forces where inflation expectations have seen treasuries go up, and safe haven demand has seen them go down — resulting in unpredictability for portfolio managers.

However, contrary to western financial markets, analysts advise that there are certain risks involved when investing in the Chinese bond markets, or China as a whole, as they operate under rules that differ from those found in Europe or the United States. For example, the dovish monetary stance by the PBOC may not last forever, resulting in a differing dynamic for government bonds. China’s capital controls could result in getting investments out of China, a difficult proposition, and geopolitical tensions between the west and China could possibly lead to sanctions making investments difficult to repatriate.

On the currency front, experts in this arena advise that increasing foreign capital inflows into China might place the Chinese Yuan under upward pressure and reduce the foreign currency values of inward investments in China. However, there appears to be a large shift in trust towards the Chinese bond market, as some experts and analysts advise that China is no longer seen as uninvestable, and no doubt all potential risks have been scrutinised by all the relative institutions risk management and compliance teams.

How Will the Re-Opening of the Strait of Hormuz Affect Consumers?

Written by IntaCapital Swiss on June 24, 2026. Posted in Iran, News & Reports. Leave a Comment

The United States and Iran signed a 14 point MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) on Wednesday June 17^th, 2026, which triggered the continuation of the 60-day negotiation window, allowing the toll-free re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, with the US lifting its naval blockade of Iranian ports. Iran has reaffirmed its commitment not to procure or develop nuclear weapons, and has agreed to allow UN nuclear inspectors of the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) back into the country.

Recently, analysts advised that millions of barrels of crude oil have been seen passing through the Strait of Hormuz with more ships and tankers signalling their intention to traverse the strait. The United States/Iran/Israel conflict saw Brent Crude spike in excess of $120p/bl (pre-conflict just under $73pbl), and recently, the price is sitting at circa $77.28p/bl. The drop in price is not only due to the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, but also due to slowing global demand and record production outside of OPEC.

However, households and other consumers should not celebrate just yet, as experts estimate that the initial energy shock from the conflict could see inflation increasing in Q3 of this year and remain elevated into 2027. According to analysts at Rystad Energy, exports of oil from the Persian Gulf could take until 2027 to reach pre-crisis levels and that is only if the agreement holds. Indeed, some analysts advise that it will take three months for 70% – 85% of lost production to resume, which will also rely heavily on spare capacity in Saudi Arabia and for the UAE (United Arab Emirates) to ramp up quickly once pipelines are clear. Analysts further advised that the timescale to reach 90% of pre-conflict volumes is up until 2028 or longer to reach full capacity, or longer for those facilities damaged during the war.

Therefore, consumers will find prices at the pumps for diesel and petrol remaining elevated for some time as will the cost of electricity. Gas prices may remain elevated for longer as experts advise it will take extended time to repair Persian Gulf LNG (Liquid Natural Gas) complexes such as Qatar, where it will take from three to five years to repair their damaged gas facilities at the Ras Laffan LNG complex.

The Bank of England Keeps Interest Rates on Hold

Written by IntaCapital Swiss on June 19, 2026. Posted in News & Reports. Leave a Comment

Today, the BOEs (Bank of England) MPC (Monetary Policy Committee) voted by 7 – 2 in favour of keeping interest rates steady at 3.75% with two dissenting members of Huw Pill and Megan Greene both voting to increase the rate by 25 basis points to 4.00%. The BOE has advised that inflation would pick up to just over 3.25% in Q4, lower than previously forecasted in April of this year. The decision to keep interest rates on hold came in the wake of data released showing the UK’s unemployment rate falling to 4.90% in the three months to April.

Recent data released from the ONS (Office of National Statistics) shows that the number of United Kingdom job vacancies fell to its lowest level for five years as businesses cut back on recruitment. On the inflation front the Governor of the BOE Andrew Bailey has advised that there “still is some inflationary pressure in the pipeline” with the Middle East crisis weighing negatively on energy and pushing up prices. He also stressed the political neutrality of the BOE but underlined the fact that political stability is critical during sensitive moments such as the upcoming Makerfield by-election as monetary policy relies on predictability.

Megan Greene, one of the two dissenting voters looking for a ¼% hike in interest rates highlighted the uncertainty over the impact on households and businesses of higher energy prices. However, Governor Bailey was quoted as saying, “Energy prices have come down quite a lot, but they are still above where they were before this conflict started. Inflation is higher than we expected it to be”. He went on to say, “I think holding is the right position to be in at the moment for that, so I think it is a sensible decision in light of the news”. Experts noted that the MPC met just before the Iran/United States peace deal was signed and when the MPC meets again at the end of July votes may well be swayed when the success and longevity of the peace deal will be clearer.

Analysts advise that financial markets reacted with a cautious but dovish tilt to the BOEs decision to keep interest rates at 3.75%with a notable shift in Sterling weakness and a fall in equities, as investors interpreted the BOEs downgraded inflation outlook as a signal that disinflation is taking hold. The money markets are pricing in the potential for one rate hike by the close of business 2026, and the swaps market is currently pricing in a higher for longer trajectory for central bank base rates with no immediate return to lower interest rates. Currently, experts are suggesting there is a wait and see outlook as to whether or not the Iran/US peace deal holds.

Federal Reserve Holds Interest Rates Steady

Written by IntaCapital Swiss on June 19, 2026. Posted in News & Reports. Leave a Comment

Today, and chairing his first FOMC (Federal Open Market Committee) meeting, the new Chairman of the Federal Reserve Kevin Warsh and all his colleagues on the FOMC voted unanimously to keep interest rates steady in the range of 3.50% – 3.75%. Rates remained unchanged despite the fact that headline inflation is currently 3.80% with core inflation sitting at 3.30% (excludes volatile energy and food costs) which is well above the Fed’s long-term target figure of 2.00%. The policymakers SEP (Summary of Economic Projections) raised their forecast for interest rates advising that there may be one rate hike between now and the end of the year.

Officials further advised that inflation remained in an elevated state partly due to supply shocks due to the United States/Iran Israel conflict which has caused energy prices to skyrocket. The Federal Reserve has a dual-purpose mandate where they have to keep inflation at the target figure of 2.00% whilst ensuring maximum employment. Signals emanating from inside the Federal Reserve suggest that policymakers now consider the employment market to be in a healthy state and are now going to concentrate on tackling inflation.

In his first post-meeting press conference as Chairman of the Federal Reserve, Kevin Warsh announced plans to overhaul the central bank with a particular eye on its public communications. He went on to advise he will create five new taskforces that will look into productivity and jobs, the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet, data, and broad conduct of monetary policy including communications. Language in the committee’s statement has already changed with Chairman Warsh acknowledging “It’s a bit shorter, a bit simpler and it dispenses with some older language. That statement just gives you the facts, as best we can judge it”.

The statement also noted that “Economic activity is expanding at a solid pace despite elevated uncertainty that owes, in part, to the conflict in the Middle East. Productivity growth and capital investment are strong, job gains have kept pace with the workforce, and the unemployment rate has changed little. Inflation remains elevated relative to the Committee’s 2.00% goal, in part reflecting supply shocks that have driven price increases in certain sectors, including energy”. Chairman Warsh told reporters that the Federal reserve is committed to reducing inflation to 2.00%.

Since President Trump took office for the second time there have been unprecedented attacks from the White House on the character and policy decisions of Chairman Warsh’s predecessor Jerome Powell. Under his watch the FOMC last cut interest rates on 10th December 2025, and he regularly incurred the President’s wrath as he was insisting the Federal Reserve cut rates on a regular basis. Interestingly, with a new hawkish stance in the Federal Reserve, Trump has withheld judgement on the new leader of the Federal Reserve (also Trump’s pick for the job), and has said “he will be guided by what he (Warsh) wants. An interesting about turn for a leader who is dead set on interest rate cuts. However, if rates do not come down sometime soon, we may see President Trump reversing to type with the new Federal Reserve leader coming in for a bit of White House wrath.

Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates

Written by IntaCapital Swiss on June 16, 2026. Posted in News & Reports. Leave a Comment

Today, the BOJ (Bank of Japan) voted by a majority of 7–1, (the one dissenting vote was board member Toichiro Asda) to raise its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.00%, the highest interest rates have been for 31 years. Experts advise that the BOJ will continue to vote for interest rate increases every six months with the possibility of a further increase by the end of the year. The board met without Governor Kazuo Ueda, (the first time since 2010 that the board has voted without a Governor present), who is currently hospitalised with an illness.

In the absence of the Governor, Deputy Governor Shinichi Uchida chaired the meeting and in the post-meeting press conference said, “Compared with the previous meeting in April, the U.S. and Iran have signed a memorandum. That is a welcome. Having said that, there is uncertainty on the pace of improvement in distribution (of oil)”. He went on to say, “The risk of a sharp deterioration in the economy has diminished. On the other hand, prices are broadening, and there is a risk that underlying inflation may deviate from our target”.

On the pace of future rate hikes Deputy Governor Uchida said, “We will look at economic, price and financial developments, particularly with an eye on the Middle East situation, for the time being. We’ll look at whether the economy and prices are moving in line with our forecasts, as well as risks. With underlying inflation approaching 2.00%, we need to be mindful of upward price risks. We will guide policy so that we won’t fall behind the curve. The main difference between our previous meeting and this one is that downside risks to Japan’s economy have subsided significantly. Additionally, we have seen steady pass-through of costs in business-to-business prices, which led us to be more vigilant to inflation risks”.

Indeed, analysts advise that recent data shows that in May wholesale inflation* spiking to a 3-year high of 6.30% signifying that companies were passing on higher costs due to the energy shock created by the United States/Iran Israel conflict. However, they expect core consumer inflation to increase above the target inflation level of 2.00% later this year as it had originally fallen below the target level due to government subsidies aimed at curbing utility bills. The conflict in the Middle East has added complications to the policy path being pursued by the BOJ adding inflationary pressure through increasing costs of oil which hurts an economy that is heavily reliant on imported fuel and other energy derivatives.

*Wholesale Inflation – Measures the rising or falling costs of raw materials and goods in bulk before they reach the consumer.

Headline Inflation – represents the overall increase in prices for goods and services within an economy, as measured in total consumption including the volatile prices of food and energy.

Underlying or Core Inflation – Measures and tracks the long-term structural trend of consumer prices excluding volatile prices of food and energy.

The decision to raise rates is not only to tackle Japan’s inflation problems but it is also in an effort to stabilise Japan’s currency, the Yen, which has come under pressure from major currencies such as the Euro and the U.S. Dollar, with one expert commenting that there has been a sense that the Yen is too cheap and that raising the interest rate will not hurt. The Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is renowned for boosting spending in Japan but has not been critical of the BOJ’s interest rate policy even though she has previously been dismissive of rate hikes.

ECB Raises Interest Rates

Written by IntaCapital Swiss on June 11, 2026. Posted in News & Reports. Leave a Comment

Today, the ECB (European Central Bank) voted in an unanimous decision to hike its key deposit interest rate by 25 basis points from 2.00% to 2.25%, with data confirming this is the first rate increase by the ECB since September 2025. The ECB also raised its main refinancing operations rate to 2.40% and their marginal lending facility rate to 2.65%, the difference in these three rates are explained below*.

*ECB Interest Rates – The ECB has three interest rates; the key deposit rate is the interest rate banks receive when they deposit money overnight with the ECB. The other two facilities are the main refinancing operations, which is the rate banks pay when they borrow money from the ECB for one week, and the Marginal Lending Facility, which is the rate banks pay when they borrow money overnight from the ECB.

The interest rate hike came as no surprise to financial markets, with experts advising this move had been telegraphed by the ECB for quite some time. This decision is a clear reversal of the monetary easing approach taken by the ECB throughout most of last year, and analysts advise it is mainly due to energy prices rising by 10.90%, driving headline inflation to 3.20% in May (up from 3.00% in April). As data reveals, it is the highest since September 2023. Furthermore, core inflation (not including food and energy) hit 2.50% in May up from 2.20% in April, showing that it is not only energy prices that are being impacted from the USA/Iraq/Israel conflict.

The policymaker responsible for the ECB’s market operations, Isabel Schnabel, according to officials, was the board member who made her point most forcefully beforehand to raise interest rates today. She said whether or not a peace agreement in the Middle East occurs now, the duration of the current conflict and how the broader economy was reacting to increased energy prices, should force the ECB to raise interest rates. Schnabel also went on to say that inflation in the eurozone could hit 4.00% by the end of the year.

At a press conference, ECB President Christine Lagarde said, “We are beginning to see a broadening of inflation throughout the economy, and that is obvious in terms of direct effect – not yet at this point in front of the second round effects*, but we are going to be extremely attentive”. The President went on to say that, “Our discussions were predicated on, obviously the major energy shock that we have observed since the beginning of March, that is enduring longer than expected by geopolitical experts, and which we are beginning to see broadening throughout the economy”.

*Second round effects – In these scenarios, second round effects are price and wage-settings stemming from the current shock that have the potential to raise Eurozone inflation beyond the near-term in a persistent manner.

President Lagarde has kept her options open regarding further interest rates, and financial markets are predicting that the ECB may raise interest rates a further two or three times by the end of 2026. Traders are currently pricing in a deposit rate reaching up to 2.75% with swap markets heavily pricing in another 25 basis point increase.

Volatility in the Crypto Market Sees Bitcoin Bounce Back

Written by IntaCapital Swiss on June 10, 2026. Posted in News & Reports. Leave a Comment

Last Friday Bitcoin fell below $60,000 falling by circa 7% to $59,101, representing the lowest level since October 2024 where it hit its peak of $126,269, meaning a 50% loss of its value. Experts in the cryptocurrency arena suggest the sell off over a thirteen day period was mainly due to renewed geopolitical tensions, funds being pulled from Bitcoin ETFs, (Exchange Traded Funds), and concerns related to Strategy Inc*. One market analyst has opined that for years crypto was “the hot investment” obsessed over by small investors up to institutions and Silicon Valley, but today that hot investment has been replaced by AI.

*Strategy Inc – Michael Saylor is the co-founder and the executive chairman of Strategy Inc and under his direction and as of today, the company currently owns 845,256 Bitcoin with a valuation $52.86 Billion, but at today’s price Strategy Inc’s holdings are down overall by 17.33% reflecting a loss of $11,094,057. Experts advise that Strategy Inc is one of Bitcoin’s most important sources of demand and analysts advise the company was influential in helping to fuel the last bull market with large-scale purchases of Bitcoin.

*However, experts, analysts and traders suggest that there are growing concerns regarding the durability of this company concerning their digital asset treasury model, after very recent disclosures regarding an uncommon sale of Bitcoin last week. Saylor has always championed the HODL approach (crypto slang for holding in perpetuity) and has directed said approach towards retail investors. While the Bitcoin sale was relatively small, analysts note it was used to fund payments for preferred stockholders. However, the move unnerved traders and renewed concerns regarding Strategy Inc.’s underlying financing model and long-term sustainability.

AI, (Artificial Intelligence), according to experts, and at the expense of Bitcoin’s appeal, has become the market’s dominant growth trade. Analysts advise that where money would have originally poured into Bitcoin, retail investors are moving into prediction markets, short-dated options** and even digital assets and stablecoins. A number of crypto commentators are suggesting that the retail market has completely disappeared as investors are pivoting back to equities; one strategist said it is hard to identify future sources of demand for Bitcoin.

*Prediction markets – This is an exchange-traded platform where contracts are bought and sold based on the outcome of future events such as election results, economic data, or sports. As participants back their forecasts with real money, the market prices represent the collective real-time probability of an event happening.

**Short-dated options – These are derivatives with a very brief time-to-expiration, typically ranging from a single day, known as 0DTE (Zero Days to Expiration) to a few weeks. These instruments are used by traders for rapid, targeted market exposure, allowing them to hedge against specific news events, or speculate on quick price moves without holding the risk medium to long-term.

However, that said, Bitcoin has since recovered, trading between $62,000 and $63,000 to sit at roughly $62,499. Markets are currently digesting data that shows renewed corporate buying, including an additional 1,550 Bitcoin purchased by Strategy Inc. Some traders and market watchers are leaning towards Bitcoin hitting $72,000 in the next couple of weeks as President Trump announces, yet again, that he is within a couple of days of signing a peace deal with Iran. However, a number of political commentators note that the change in regime in Iran has empowered hardliners and they cannot see a peace treaty forthcoming this month, let alone in the next couple of days, and with Bitcoin reacting negatively to geopolitical volatility, it is hard to see the coin hitting the $72,000 mark.

Finally, one of Bitcoin’s underlying strengths and central pillars is that the coin’s supporters have always said it is a hedge against inflation. However, recent market data suggest that Bitcoin is no longer a reliable hedge against inflation, as instead of preserving purchasing power during times of rising prices, macroeconomic tightening and geopolitical tensions, the cryptocurrency experiences severe price falls especially when inflation fears have prompted central banks to raise interest rates. Experts suggest that the future of Bitcoin focuses on transitioning from a retail led speculative asset into a more mature institutional reserve asset and perhaps a digital alternative to gold.

Will the Price of Oil Hit $200 Per Barrel?

Written by IntaCapital Swiss on June 10, 2026. Posted in Iran, News & Reports. Leave a Comment

Earlier in the year a number of energy commentators were hinting at a potential price of $200 and above for a barrel of oil if the USA/Iran/Israel conflict continued into June. However, it’s the second week of June and Brent Crude is sitting at $90.54 p/bl, and WTI (West Texas Intermediate) is currently sitting at $93.09 p/bl. The price of crude oil has largely been suppressed to below the $100 – $120 mark despite the Middle East crisis, which has shut the Strait of Hormuz where circa 20 million barrels of oil flow daily — being roughly 20% of global demand.

The conflict started on February 28^th, just over three months ago, so why has the global economic catastrophe predicted by a number of traders, oil executives, analysts and experts not appeared in the form of $200 plus per barrel of oil? Analysts advise that the economic shock from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has to some extent been nullified by a drop in demand by China, record exports from the United States, a trickle of oil export sneaking through the strait, the Saudi Arabian pipeline*, to the Red Sea and a pre-war surplus.

Saudi Arabian pipeline – This pipeline is known as the Petroline and stretches for 746 miles from the Abqaiq oil fields in the eastern province (close to Bahrain and Qatar on the Persian Gulf coast) to the port city Yanbu on the west coast by the Red Sea. The pipeline was built during the 1980’s allowing Saudi Arabian oil exports to bypass the tanker war in the Persian Gulf, which was a result of the war between Iran and Iraq. The pipeline serves as a strategic and critical lifeline not only to Saudi Arabia but to the global economy and is currently pumping 7 million barrels a day, which is the pipeline’s maximum capacity.

One of the big surprises has been China, who up until 28^th February were the world’s largest importer of crude oil, and according to data released, the government has slashed oil imports by circa 40%. Analysts have estimated that the reduction in oil imports by China is offsetting roughly 1/3 – 1/5 of the barrels that have been lost due to the US/Iran/Israel conflict. To compensate for cuts in crude imports, China’s refineries are processing oil from strategic and commercial stockpiles which analysts estimate to be around 1.4 billion barrels. Furthermore, the country is relying on increased domestic shale oil extraction and forcing petrochemical plants to deplete their own reserves.

The United States has also proved pivotal in keeping the price of crude oil down, as May figures show that American crude and fuel exports were in excess of 2 million barrels per day, higher than the average for the whole of 2025. Indeed, U.S. crude oil exports reached a record high of 5.6 million bpd (barrels per day), whilst combined exports of crude and refined petroleum products/ fuel hit circa 9 – 10 million bpd. Elsewhere, governments from around the world have coordinated the release of strategic reserves, Qatar it is suggested is using “Dark Fleet”* operations and other Persian Gulf exporters e.g., the UAE, are rerouting shipments through alternative export routes.

*The Dark Fleet – Is a large clandestine network of aging oil tankers, shell companies and maritime service providers that operate outside international regulations to transport sanctioned oil primarily from Iran, Russia and until recently Venezuela and now allegedly Qatar. Experts and analysts estimate the fleet to be roughly in the region of 1,470 tankers that use deceptive practices such as disabled tracking systems, forged documentation and ship-to-ship transfers in open waters that enable them to bypass international sanctions.

Despite recent rhetoric emanating from the White House suggesting talks with Iran are on-going and peace is in sight, today, any compromise deal let alone peace seems to be miles apart, with Iran’s weaponised plutonium being at the heart of any negotiations. Many experts are saying that the current global strategy of keeping oil prices suppressed is unsustainable, and if China comes back into the market, prices will only move higher. A speedy end to the conflict will certainly help as this would allow for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, however, some analysts note that if the war is still blazing in September, perhaps $200 p/bl could well become a reality by the end of 2026 or early 2027.

Author: IntaCapital Swiss