Russian federal government finances have never looked healthier, but rising inflation, growing regional divides and the fallout from the conflict in Georgia mean finance minister Alexei Kudrin still has his work cut out.

Total assets among Russia’s banks have posted robust growth in excess of 50% and there have been some structural improvements, but banks remain vulnerable to sudden changes in the health of the national economy and are looking decidedly over concentrated. Writer Stephen Timewell.

New state funds and laws are allowing Russia’s ailing infrastructure to catch up with its fast-growing economy. The Banker hears from some of the key players in a $1000bn market. Writer Philip Alexander.

Credit cards are relatively new to Russia and take-up is still slow as cash remains the dominating payment method. Brian Caplen reports on progress.

Reliance on external markets for refinancing is one of the weaknesses in Russia’s banking system. Brian Caplen reports on this and other factors that are holding back the sector’s development.

UralSib is among the lucky few to benefit from the credit crunch. Virtually unreliant on international financing, the bank has stood strong and is now winning custom from rivals that are struggling. Its CEO Andrei Donskikh talks to Ben Aris.

The volume of public listing in Russia shows no signs of abating and commercial banks are likely to join the state banks in keeping the momentum going in 2008. Ben Aris reports.

In just 18 months, Russian bank KIT Finance has become a major player, and it plans to get a lot bigger. By Ben Aris.

Diversification by banks away from industry and into retail indicates Russia’s growing banking prowess.

Ben Aris reports from Moscow on the new trend of carmakers setting up shop with banking licences in Russia to take advantage of the accelerating growth in the auto loans market.