The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, under the tutelage of chairwoman Sheila Bair, has been spearheading a banking clean-up on a massive scale. And while the sector faces much uncertainty, one thing is sure: the US banking landscape is set to change for good. Writer Suzanne Miller
World
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Is Vietnam cultivating another asset bubble?
May 5, 2010Bank lending is being used as a direct and often blunt lever by which to manage Vietnam's economy, proving a critical first defence against the global economic slump. But the medium-term consequences of over-interference may be another bubble, warn analysts. Writer Michelle Price
On the rebound
May 5, 2010Despite falling into a major economic trough in the first quarter of 2009, the majority of South Korea's banks are poised for a stable recovery in 2010. But the unwinding of stimulus packages worldwide and the risk of a possible double-dip global recession in the West continue to threaten the Korean banking sector. Writer Mee Hyoe Koo
New laws and new loans needed
May 5, 2010There is considerable investor interest in the debt collection business in Russia, but achieving growth is not straightforward, even though the industry is still young. Writer Philip Alexander
Lean and liquid
May 5, 2010The Russian consumer lending boom came to an abrupt end in late 2008, but convergence between consumer finance and traditional retail banking is providing the tools for sustainable growth. Writer Philip Alexander
Kazakh banks replace leverage with capital
May 5, 2010Kazakhstan's banks are divided between those that are cash-strapped and looking at restructuring, and cash-rich survivors trying to find new lending opportunities. Writer Philip Alexander
Trying to turn the taps back on
May 5, 2010Croatia entered the financial crisis with its banking sector in good shape, but rising unemployment and fiscal pressures are dampening new lending activity. Writer Nick Saywell
Private push
May 5, 2010Turkey's privitisation programme is still moving at a rapid pace, despite a change in focus. Writer Metin Demirsar
Bold ambition or pure fantasy?
May 5, 2010The Turkish government has plans to transform Istanbul into an international financial centre complete with specialised courts to deal with international business disputes and a carbon exchange. However, sceptics are already denouncing the project as a pipedream.
The NPL threat to Turkey's progress
May 5, 2010As Turkey pulls out of its economic slump, its relatively unscathed banks are ready to finance growth and are increasing lending and planning significant expansion. However, a growing problem of non-performing loans may stifle recovery and put the brakes on their ambition.
