The role of central bank governor has come under increasing scrutiny over the past 12 months as markets in the developed world continued to wobble. The Banker recognises those who have led their countries’ economies  through what has been another tumultuous year.

Being a country’s finance minister may appear to be something of a poisoned chalice in the current economic environment, but there are still plenty of politicans doing sterling work in steering their countries through the aftermath of the global crisis. The Banker salutes the finest of these.

Being a country’s finance minister may appear to be something of a poisoned chalice in the current economic environment, but there are still plenty of politicans doing sterling work in steering their countries through the aftermath of the global crisis. The Banker salutes the finest of these.

The role of central bank governor has come under increasing scrutiny over the past 12 months as markets in the developed world continued to wobble. The Banker recognises those who have led their countries’ economies  through what has been another tumultuous year.

The Banker’s panel of judges celebrates the best banks in 147 different countries based on their performances over the past year.

With the eurozone seemingly teetering on the edge of an abyss and the US unable to reignite its dormant economy, it is tempting to think that there is no good news to be found in the banking world. However, yet again The Banker ’s Bank of the Year awards show that beyond the negative headlines and protests lies an industry that is still innovating, still growing, and still generating money all around the world.

As the eurozone crisis worsened and regulatory reform closed in, 2011 put banks’ resilience to the test. The Banker’s 12th Bank of the Year Awards celebrates those banks that have risen to the challenge, displaying innovation and economic efficiency.

The third annual Global Private Banking Awards  will judge private banks on both quantitative and qualitative aspects of their business. These include their ability to deliver trusted advice to customers, design efficient asset allocation strategies, offer bespoke portfolio solutions to meet investors' needs and other key areas.