Federico Ghizzoni, UniCredit's new CEO, appears to strike the right personal balance between the group's Italian origins and its pan-European reach. But some of the dilemmas that dragged down his predecessor, Alessandro Profumo, need resolving. Writer Philip Alexander
As one of the Philippines' most dynamic bankers, Nestor Tan has overseen a series of acquisitions and mergers that have transformed Banco de Oro into the largest bank in the country by assets. Now he is eager for further growth by capitalising on opportunities presented by the recession. Writer Michelle Price
Bank of America Merrill Lynch has had a rough year. Its CEO is being forced to retire, it is under intense regulatory scrutiny and senior investment bankers have left in droves. Yet it is holding up well in the league tables, and deal flow is looking pretty strong. Is Bank of America beating the odds and making a success of the acquisition? Geraldine Lambe reports.
Key country: Brazil is the most important market in Latin America for HSBCHSBC's spectacular expansion in Latin America over the past 10 years has certainly paid dividends, with the group now the fifth largest in the region. Head of HSBC Latin America, Emilson Alonso, offers his views on the business and its strategy for the future. Writer Jane Monahan
The chief executive of South Africa's Standard Bank, Jacko Maree, talks about his international aspirations and how he is taking advantage of the relationship with Chinese state-owned banking giant ICBC to expand Standard Bank's global presence. Writer Charlie Corbett in Cape Town