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.

Brazilian infrastructure is in desperate need of investment if it is to support the country's growing economy. But with restrictions on foreign investment, limited public and domestic funding and opposition to further development from environmentalists, taking advantage of the plethora of opportunities in this sector is not straightforward.

ABN Amro has come a long way since RBS and Fortis, two of the Dutch bank's three owners, faced collapse in 2008. So when the senior unsecured debt market reopened in late September, the bank stepped forward to issue a €500m, two-year floating rate note, securing a good price, as it attempts to re-establish itself on the international market.

The US's Commodity Futures Trading Commission's new rules were passed by a slim majority of three to two and met with much chagrin as those opposing the changes threatened legal action. But with its position limit levels set wide, how will the reforms actually affect investment banks?

The UK is reported to be sitting on enough shale gas to cover its gas consumption for more than 60 years. But unlike the US, concerns surrounding mineral rights, a greater population density and its impact on the environment means pushing ahead with exploration is easier said than done.

Bank of Ireland avoided nationalisation against the odds, and has even managed to obtain wholesale funding via bilateral transactions. BoI group treasurer Sean Crowe explains the formula.