Since joining the EU six years ago, the Maltese banking sector has flourished and the country has developed a firm yet flexible regulatory regime, supported by the European regulatory environment. In this Masterclass, Professor Joseph Bannister, president of the Malta Financial Services Authority (MFSA), discusses the recent restructuring of the authority and how it aims to further strengthen Malta's status as an international financial centre. Writer Michael Imeson
Western Europe
Latest articles from Western Europe
An international flavour
March 31, 2010Malta's insurance sector is highly oriented towards international insurers, with insurance management companies based in the country heavily involved in helping to run them on behalf of their parent organisations.
Sovereign woes cast long shadows for banks
March 3, 2010The leading Greek banks had retained relatively conservative business models at home prior to the financial crisis, but market fears about government debt make the downturn even harder to manage. Writer Philip Alexander
Alessandro Profumo
March 3, 2010UniCredit, the Italian bank with a significant presence in Europe, is back on track following a €4bn rights issue to fund loan demand in eastern Europe. Its chief executive explains how the company's diversified business model is now giving it an advantage over its competitors. Writer Brian Caplen
Rebuilding UBS: Can UBS revive its business and reputation?
March 3, 2010UBS has endured a catastrophic three years. Now, under the stewardship of former Credit Suisse chief Oswald Grübel, the bank is attempting to restore its reputation and revive its business. Geraldine Lambe reports.
What really happened at Hypo Group Alpe Adria
February 1, 2010The nationalisation of Austria's Hypo Alpe Adria had more to do with regulation and ownership models than exposure to emerging Europe. Writer Philip Alexander
The quest for new customers
February 1, 2010Leading Turkish bank Garanti is the first to offer, send and receive functions of the Western Union Money Transfersm service through its own website, as Ali Fuat Erbil, assistant general manager of Garanti Bank, explains.
Lloyds recapitalisation was both trailblazing and rehabilitating
February 1, 2010The £22.5bn recapitalisation of Lloyds Banking Group last November not only kept the institution free from outright government control, but helped to rehabilitate the financial markets. Writer Edward Russell-Walling
The differing strategies of Germany's private banks
December 30, 2009Deutsche Bank's planned takeover of Sal Oppenheim will leave the German private banking sector dominated by two key players. However, Deutsche and Commerzbank are pursuing very different strategies. Writer Michael Marray
Irish government hopes its bad bank will work
December 30, 2009The Irish government has opted for a 'bad bank' to save the nation's finances by buying up bad loans. With some experts unconvinced this was the best solution, only time will tell if the gamble pays off. Writer Philippa Maister