Jiri Smejc, chief executive of Czech lender Home Credit, tells Stefanie Linhardt why China represents a vital step outside its central European comfort zone.
Central & eastern Europe
Latest articles from Central & eastern Europe
Russia grasps the nettle on pension reforms
July 24, 2017The Russian government faces widespread disagreement and scepticism as it takes on the challenge of pensions reform.
Citi EMEA chief positions for seamless Brexit
July 3, 2017Having established a Dublin headquarters, Citi's Europe, Middle East and Africa operations are well prepared for Brexit. And a strategic overhaul four years ago tightened up its risk management, leaving it leaner and safer, as the US bank's EMEA head, Jim Cowles, tells Stefanie Linhardt.
Top 1000 World Banks - Resurgent Russian banks dominate in CEE ranking
July 3, 2017Russian banks dominate the 2017 central and eastern Europe rankings, with more making it into the Top 1000. And while Ukraine’s State Savings Bank has moved up the list, it is the country’s only bank left in the ranking. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Top 1000 World Banks - Profits in western Europe and Asia fall as Americas and CEE recover
July 3, 2017The Top 1000 banks’ profits are $2bn down on the 2016 ranking, with western Europe’s decline the most notable. Meanwhile, Latin American banks have increased their share, as Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Leaving London? Charting Europe’s business landscape
June 1, 2017The UK’s departure from the EU looks set to leave London a less attractive European base for some companies. Stefanie Linhardt examines the reasons to relocate – and the reasons to stay put.
Ukraine’s obstacle-laden path to progress
May 2, 2017Ukraine greeted 2017 with cautious optimism, as its GDP ticked up and a banking sector shake-up proved successful. Now a blockade of the separatist east threatens to stall economic recovery, while political complications could slow the reforms crucial to attracting investment. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Ukraine’s banking sector seeks a new normal
May 2, 2017Recent years have seen a shake-up of Ukraine’s banking sector that has halved the number of institutions in the country and culminated in the nationalisation of its largest lender, Privatbank. Yet challenges remain, with more casualties likely as small and Russian state-owned banks come under scrutiny. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Ukraine national bank governor talks targets
May 2, 2017Valeria Gontareva, who will leave her post as the governor of the National Bank of Ukraine in May 2017, tells Stefanie Linhardt how foreign exchange intervention and a floating exchange rate are helping the bank meet its ambitious targets.
Ukreximbank chairman sees reasons for optimism in Ukraine
May 2, 2017Oleksandr Hrytsenko, chairman of the board of Ukreximbank JSC, explains how the bank is supporting both domestic and foreign businesses in Ukraine as they reposition away from traditional markets.