All but three of the Top 75 central American banks remained in profit last year according to The Banker's ranking, with Panama recording stand-out results.
World
Latest articles from World
Adoption proves costly for New Zealand's banks
February 1, 2010The Reserve Bank of New Zealand has strengthened its liquidity requirements for banks. It will be expensive, but at least they'll be operating on a sounder footing. Writer Michael Imeson
World
/ Middle East
/ Jordan
M&A shake-up looms in Jordan
February 1, 2010The impact of the global downturn and tighter regulations imposed by Jordan's central bank looks set to change the future shape of the country's banking sector. Writer Stephen Timewell
World
/ Middle East
/ Jordan
Poised for the fast lane
February 1, 2010Conservative policies and tight banking regulations have given Jordan the stability it needs to foster business confidence. But it remains to be seen how its banking sector will adapt to the leaner, fitter economy. Writer Stephen Timewell
Former prime minister Jim Bolger on the promise of Kiwibank
February 1, 2010The former prime minister of New Zealand and now chairman of New Zealand Post Group's fast-growing Kiwibank believes that the company offers a template for post groups around the world attempting to establish a banking brand. Writer Michelle Price
Government effects reform despite recent turmoil
February 1, 2010Unfazed by continued political and economic turmoil, Thailand is embarking on major deregulation to strengthen its banking and finance sector and, in the grander scheme, to diversify the country's economic base. Writer Michelle Price
Stage set for mergers
February 1, 2010As the central bank of Russia tightens capital requirements, the country's Top 50 banks look set to continue accumulating capital and assets at the expense of smaller players. Writer Philip Alexander
What really happened at Hypo Group Alpe Adria
February 1, 2010The nationalisation of Austria's Hypo Alpe Adria had more to do with regulation and ownership models than exposure to emerging Europe. Writer Philip Alexander
Gulf Islamic banks gear up for a change
February 1, 2010Majid Al-Refai, CEO of sharia-compliant Bahrain-based Unicorn Investment Bank
After a turbulent year bookended by the near default on a large Dubai sukuk, the Middle East's Islamic banking community is taking stock. Writer James Gavin
World
/ Asia-Pacific
/ Japan
Asia-Pacific: The next trading battleground
February 1, 2010Tokyo's new arrowhead trading system is among a raft of high-performance upgrades to be launched across Asia-Pacific trading venues, bringing them up to speed with their US and European competitors. Writer Elton Cane
