Serhiy Tihipko, chairman of the National Bank of Ukraine, talks to Ben Aris in Kiev about economic progress and developments in the banking sector.

The Ukranian economy is undercapitalised and companies are placing a steady stream of corporate bond issues to raise investment, says Ben Aris in Kiev.

With a new presidential term for Vladimir Putin and crucial administrative reforms underway, Ben Aris considers the future shape of Russia’s over-banked financial system.

Despite concerns over the wisdom of letting a state bank manage Russia’s pension fund, profits so far have been promising. Ben Aris reports from Moscow.

Ben Aris reports on the expected repercussions of President Putin’s re-election.

A flourishing economy is allowing the average Russian to enjoy a hitherto-unknown lifestyle, a fact which hasn’t escaped the notice of the bank and loan men. Ben Aris reports.

Russia’s mutual funds were wiped out in the 1990s crisis. However, news that the state pension fund is unlikely to provide its citizens with much of a nest egg has fuelled new growth in the area. Ben Aris reports.

Growing competition and the countdown to losing its state guarantee on retail deposits are two challenges that Russia’s giant Sberbank faces. But as chairman Andrei Kazmin tells Ben Aris, he isn’t panicking.

Moscow City continues to dominate Russia’s regional bond market. With its infrastructure in need of rebuilding, the issue pipeline is looking promising. Ben Aris reports.

The Kremlin has shifted emphasis away from encouraging growth, which is now strong, to tackling pressing social problems like pension reform. Ben Aris finds out that, although a good plan has got off to a bad start, there is hope for the future.
Marina is standing outside the Valentino shop in tears. She received her monthly Rbs400 pension ($15) yesterday but lost her avoska, the occasional shopping bag that all Russians used to carry, along with her purse.