Richard Groves, managing director of Saudi British Bank (SABB)

Saudi Arabia's banks are reporting lower profits and higher loan-loss provisions, but business is still good, according to SABB's managing director. Writer Michael Imeson

The chief executive of Ahli United Bank in Bahrain outlines the woes of the banking sector and explains why his bank has fared better than most. Writer Michael Imeson

The Gulf Co-operation Council countries have suffered as a result of the global economic downturn. Bank profits are down and there have even been some bank failures. But there is also plenty to be upbeat about, with some regions bucking the downward trend. Writer Michael Imeson

Peru's finance minister talks about his commitment to a market-led economy and discusses the policies which he believes will transform the country into a major player on the world stage. Writer Jason Mitchell

While the Western world has been struggling through the global financial crisis, Latin America has shown a remarkable resilience to the upheaval. Two countries in particular - Colombia and Peru - are showing particularly impressive growth, and look set to become important emerging economies. Writer Jason Mitchell

Although challenged by adverse economic conditions and increasing competition in the market, on the whole Taiwan's banks managed to record modest profit growth during 2008. Writer Charles Piggott

Supported by a series of government measures, China's banks recorded a surge in growth in 2008 despite the global credit crisis. Writer Charles Piggott