Conservatism, strong deposit bases and past consolidation bode well for Finland’s banks in the global credit squeeze, writes Robert Anderson .

Nordic banks have traditionally adopted decentralised management structures, incorporating collective business practices while eschewing securitisation. Brian Caplen assesses whether this model can be made to work overseas.

Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen hopes Finland’s EU presidency will allow the technology-savvy nation to spearhead important changes in the way Europe approaches science and innovation.

Consolidation of the domestic banking sector has led to Sampo Bank being the only feasible target for takeover in Finland, Nigel Dudley explains.
In Helsinki, the main subject of discussion among bankers is the further consolidation of the financial sector and particularly the future of Sampo Bank, the smallest of the three institutions that dominate Finland’s banking business.

Edward Russell-Walling talks to Finland’s finance director Satu Huber about the rationale behind the country’s successful 5/11 strategy for issuing sovereign paper.

In its latest debt exchange offer, Stora Enso managed to reduce its reporting burden. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Wendy Atkins looks at how the Nordic region is leading the charge in using and promoting innovative, cost-saving electronic invoicing systems.

Finland’s banking sector is the most concentrated in the Nordic region and is tipped to grow faster than its neighbours.