Indonesia's banking sector holds much promise, thanks in large to the country's vast unbanked population. And with a new, business-friendly president in Joko Widodo, hopes are high that it can finally realise this vast potential.

With global expansion focused on the Asia-Pacific region, Citi is uniquely positioned to take advantage of this growth, with its long presence in the region. Its chief executive in the region talks to Stefania Palma.

The fourth most populous country in the world. A fast-growing economy. A rapidly rising middle class. A huge unbanked population. There is little wonder that domestic and international lenders are focusing on getting their Indonesia strategy just right given the potential rewards on offer, but penetrating this vast archipelago is no easy task.

If the early 2000s were all about the emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India and China, now attention is shifting to the up-and-coming countries of Mexico, Indonesia, Nigeria and Turkey – the MINTs. And with rapid economic growth predicted, retail banks in these countries will be under enormous pressure to keep up.

Chronic infrastructure problems have weighed down Indonesia’s economy and prevented it from achieving greater growth. But that looks set to change, with some of the major barriers removed and a number of projects already under way.

Year upon year, the Islamic finance industry posts stellar growth figures. However, as large Western lenders withdraw from the sector, is Islamic finance in as healthy a shape as the figures suggest? The Banker asks a number of experts in the field what the future holds for sharia-compliant banking.