The Dubai government may raise up to $1.5bn in new capital through a multi-currency Islamic bond issue in Malaysia to finance its spending needs.

VTB's renminbi bond will strengthen links between Russia and China VTB's renminbi bond will strengthen links between Russia and China

Panama's Ministry of Economy and Finance has announced plans to issue its first samurai bond, for up to $500m.

Global private equity group MerchantBridge has launched an equity fund in Iraq and plans to close a deal of up to $100m in Saudi Arabia in early 2011.

The aftermath of the crisis has seen the reputation of conservative sharia banking soar. Four experts in the sector look at how this falling into favour is likely to affect sharia finance's short-term and long-term prospects.

Banks operating in global transaction services (GTS) are challenged by rising costs, shrinking margins and encroaching regulation. Emerging markets, and in particular Asia, are becoming increasingly important to the sector. The Banker asked leading GTS figures about their strategies for maintaining profitability and enhancing competitiveness. Edited by Anindita Ghosh

As global investors try to work out how to best achieve safe and solid returns, The Banker spoke to a group of investment professionals to find out how they are plotting their course around emerging markets, sovereign debt concerns, asset allocation and worldwide growth trends. Edited by Anindita Ghosh