Many countries are bidding to build Islamic finance hubs; France and Canada are no exception, but each is taking a very different course.
Western Europe
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Engagement key to Italian fortunes
September 29, 2010Italy came through the financial crisis in better shape than many of its peers for various reasons, says Intesa Sanpaolo chief executive Corrado Passera, who shares his thoughts on why Italian banks got it right and how his institution's reaction during the dip has set it up for growth. Writer Brian Caplen
Lifting off again
September 29, 2010The Dutch banking sector has returned to some semblance of normality following the global crisis, with AAA rated Rabobank leading the way and other banks busy rebuilding their reputations. However, fears of a contagion effect from troubled economies in southern Europe, or even a double-dip recession in some of the world's larger economies, are adding caution to any optimism. Writer Michael Imeson
A rough ride
September 29, 2010The Portuguese government has struggled to convince the international finance markets of its commitment to fiscal discipline, and this has prevented any easing of the country's funding problems and delayed economic recovery. However, deposits are bouncing back and industry is managing to maintain investment. Writer Peter Wise
Wealth of promise
September 29, 2010A flourishing private banking sector is developing in Turkey, as bank and wealth managers compete for the deposits of the wealthy, causing some high-net-worth Turkish individuals and institutional investors that previously entrusted their funds to European and US banks to shift their business to domestic institutions. Writer Metin Demirsar
Survival built on trust
September 29, 2010Over the past eight years, Yapi Kredi has been taken over by Turkey's banking regulators, sold and then merged with a smaller bank, yet it still emerged from the recent global financial crisis in robust shape. The secret, according to its CFO, is looking after the customers. Writer David O'Byrne
A smooth transition
September 29, 2010The lack of fuss surrounding GE Money's sale of its 21% share of Turkey's Garanti Bank is a testament to the bank's strong performance and the trust engendered by the country's banking regulator. Writer David O'Byrne
A simple plan
September 29, 2010Is Bank, Turkey's largest private bank, has an unconventional boardroom make-up and an unusual business portfolio. However, it is the bank's focus on conventional banking that has seen it emerge from the crisis in good health and in a position to expand beyond its domestic borders. Writer David O'Byrne
Frankfurt: Regulatory centre of excellence
August 30, 2010Already home to many of the main European regulatory bodies, Frankfurt's financial centre offers the experience and stability to play a key role in helping Europe shape the future of its financial sector, says Dr Lutz Raettig.
Greek rescue: The big issue
August 30, 2010Controversy still surrounds the decision of the International Monetary Fund to bail out Greece at a rate of 3200% in excess of its quota. Writer Jane Monahan