The chaos that ensued when the unprecedented economic mess that Ireland had found itself in has calmed, and the country's new government is beginning the unenviable task of repairing its financial system.

The tenacious Portugese banks have prided themselves in their ability to stick with the Angolan economy in good and bad years, but they are now facing increasing competition from foreign banks, which stress their international network credentials.

High valuations, rising equity issuance and plentiful financing in a growing variety of formats all point to Istanbul making progress toward its goal of becoming an international financial centre.

Danish banks are coming under increasing pressure to consolidate their fragmented sector. But debate rages over whether bigger really is better, and the jury is still out on the advisability of merging in unsettled times.

The Swedish economy has bounced back well from the crisis, with banks among the main beneficiaries. Leading bankers at three of the country's biggest banks - Nordea, Swedbank and Handelsbanken - explain how they have achieved such impressive results. 

The German structured products market is growing steadily again and providers are involved in an intense battle for market share.

European sovereigns, supranationals and agencies supply is running at high levels, and with the market environment far from ideal, issuers are having to broaden their investor base. Placement with Asian accounts is critical to the success of many deals.