Syria's financial services sector reforms of 2004 have had a beneficial effect on the economy, as the country's finance minister explains. Writer Jules Stewart

The foreign banks that have entered Syria's newly liberalised banking market are enjoying early success. Writer Jules Stewart

The global economic downturn is catching up with Bahrain's banks. However, the country still has some cause for optimism, particularly in its Islamic banking sector. Writer Michael Imeson

The United Arab Emirates began to feel the chill winds of global recession late last year. However, the Emirates' immense accumulated wealth, especially that of Abu Dhabi, is likely to protect the economy in general, and the financial system in particular, from the worst effects. Writer Michael Imeson

As Russia's less developed regional banks are hit hard by the liquidity crisis, the chairman of Bank Center-Invest outlines his response. Writer Philip Alexander

The Czech Republic will not be immune from the slowing global economy but Ceska sporitelna starts from a position of strong risk management and ample liquidity, says CEO Gernot Mittendorfer. Writer Philip Alexander

Uganda's government is pinning its hopes on an expansion in the agriculture sector, a boost in exports to its neighbours and a take-off in infrastructure projects as it attempts to avoid the worst effects of the global downturn, says the country's finance minister. Writer Peter Guest

Despite a global downturn, low oil prices and the weakness of the naira, the lure of a London base is still of vital importance to Nigerian banks wanting to establish an international presence. Nick Kochan reports

As the Central Bank of Nigeria celebrates 50 years of existence, banker Anthony RP Williams, who has worked in Africa and Nigeria for almost the same length of time, reflects on the country's past and his experiences with the central bank.

Despite problems in credit markets, financiers appear committed to supporting the many improvements required in Nigeria's infrastructure sector, write Kevin Godier and Jon Marks.