As one of the Philippines' most dynamic bankers, Nestor Tan has overseen a series of acquisitions and mergers that have transformed Banco de Oro into the largest bank in the country by assets. Now he is eager for further growth by capitalising on opportunities presented by the recession. Writer Michelle Price
Asia-Pacific
Finance minister Margarito Teves on reducing debt and raising revenues
October 28, 2009The Philippines' finance minister says that the archipelago's economy has remained relatively resilient during the downturn compared with its export-dependent neighbours. But the budget deficit remains an ongoing problem. Writer Michelle Price
Sowing the seeds of competitive trading in Asia
October 28, 2009The roll-out of the hyper-fast Chi-X alternative trading platform across the Asia-Pacific region and a shake-up in supervision in Australia signal the makings of a more competitive pan-Asian market. Writer Michelle Price
World
/ Asia-Pacific
/ China
Shanghai steams in
October 5, 2009China's ambitions for an international financial centre in Shanghai are now clear. It has staggering market growth and a supportive policy environment, but there are still significant barriers to overcome. If China can realise its ambitions, will it be Shanghai that wins the prize? Writer Geraldine Lambe
World
/ Asia-Pacific
/ India
India's mobile lifeline
October 5, 2009Technology, in the guise of mobile and smart-card banking, is bringing the remote sectors of India's population within reach of the country's banks. Writer Rekha Mehon
World
/ Asia-Pacific
/ Japan
The return of the Samurai
October 5, 2009After a five-month standstill following Lehman's collapse last September, activity in Japan's samurai bond market is beginning to pick up and is taking a new direction, breaking the taboo on non-sovereign issues. Writer Charles Smith
Amando Tetangco
October 5, 2009The governor of Bangko Sentral Ng Pilipinas talks about how the central bank took swift and effective action to ensure that the Philippines was not badly hit by the credit crunch. But he warns that exiting a liberal monetary policy stance may bring its own risks. Writer Michelle Price
Filipino banks advance with care
October 5, 2009The Philippines has managed to all but sidestep the global economic slump and its banking sector is in good shape, but broader structural changes in the Filipino economy will bring new challenges. Writer Michelle Price
Korn Chatikavanij
October 5, 2009The Thai finance minister's belief that the global crisis has presented the country with an opportunity to reshape its economy has seen him unleash plans for greater use of the capital markets, diversified exports and a boost in domestic consumption. Writer Brian Caplen
Chinese banks consolidate dominance
October 5, 2009Standing strong: China has continued to grow as a financial centre despite the global economic turbulence
The growth of the Asian banking sector continued in 2008, with China building on its dominance in the region, dwarfing India's more modest growth path, while South Korean banks' share declined. Writer Geraldine Lambe