As the central bank of Russia tightens capital requirements, the country's Top 50 banks look set to continue accumulating capital and assets at the expense of smaller players. Writer Philip Alexander
Central & eastern Europe
Latest articles from Central & eastern Europe
Russia's ambitious plan for economic reform
February 1, 2010The economic advisor to the Russian president explains why he is cautiously optimistic about the country's economic prospects for 2010. Interview by Philip Alexander.
Naftogaz prises open financial pipeline
December 30, 2009The successful debt restructuring by Ukraine's gas importer has eased short-term difficulties and offered hope for better government and corporate financial management in the future. However, the country's track record of disappointment in such matters still hangs heavy. Writer Philip Alexander
Austria & Italy: Diversification begins to deliver
November 27, 2009In early 2009, shares in Austrian and Italian banks were pummelled by investors fearing that their exposure to central and eastern Europe would threaten balance sheets. Now they are fighting back, and staying safely in profit. Writer Philip Alexander
The survival of Russian retail banking
October 28, 2009The Russian retail banking sector has survived the crisis largely intact, and the change of focus from growth to funding and risk management could have long-term benefits for its resilience. Writer Philip Alexander
Yulia Tymoshenko
October 28, 2009The past few years have been turbulent even by Ukraine's standards, but prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko insists the situation will settle after next year's presidential elections. Writer Courtney Fingar
Crisis stirs sleeping giant into life
October 5, 2009Dominant state-owned Sberbank has not so far matched its entrenched status with market-leading service quality. The bank's head of strategy, Denis Bugrov, explains how he aims to change that. Writer Philip Alexander
Local players step up as Russian market thaws
October 5, 2009Russian capital markets have taken longer than most to thaw in the wake of the credit crisis, but leading local investment banks are now getting the chance to put their new ownership structures to the test. Writer Philip Alexander
Where traditional banking models suit tough times
September 2, 2009The global slowdown has not spared Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the conservative strategies of many local banks have given them some support and protection. Writer Philip Alexander
Oil price slump has Azerbaijan preparing for a slowdown
August 4, 2009Banks in Azerbaijan have been remote from the global financial market turmoil but are readying themselves for a fall in economic output at home, due to the country's reliance on oil revenues. Writer Michael Imeson