EU effect fails to ignite Croatia

EU accession was meant to bolster Croatia’s economic prospects, but it is yet to have a positive effect on the country's flagging economy. Meanwhile, its banks are facing poor asset quality and a difficult operating environment.

Slovenia faces up to economic reforms

With its sovereign rating downgraded and its banks maintaining heavy losses, will Slovenia’s strategy of creating a bad bank and recapitalising its lenders pay off? And how can banks escape the poor lending culture that brought them low in the first place? 

Croatian National Bank holds its course

The abrupt departure of the Croatian National Bank governor laid bare tensions over conditions in the country’s financial sector, but his successor looks set to bring continuity rather than change.

Cyprus looks to break from Greek contagion

The exposure of Cypriot banks to the Greek economy has prompted rating downgrades for the country. But with some of the island's banks boasting high liquidity and interest from foreign investors, the long-term prospects look brighter.

Slovenia's banking sector stutters on

Slovenia was one of the worst hit by the eurozone crisis and its banks have struggled to recover with high non-performing loan ratios and low returns on equity. They are however punching above their weight in capital terms in The Banker’s rankings. Writer Nick Saywell

Trying to turn the taps back on

Croatia entered the financial crisis with its banking sector in good shape, but rising unemployment and fiscal pressures are dampening new lending activity. Writer Nick Saywell

Cautious optimism prevails in Europe's youngest nation

A diversified economy of micro-businesses has shielded Kosovo from the worst effects of the financial crisis, but its unresolved national status and uncertain legal environment continue to pose challenges. Writer Nick Saywell

‘Visionary’ tactics cushion the blow

Croatia has not been immune to the global liquidity squeeze, but measures taken by its central bank in recent years to avoid an uncontrolled build-up of foreign debt mean the banking system may be less vulnerable than some of its local counterparts. Writer Nick Saywell.

Signs point to bright future

Three elections in two years and an inflation overshoot are compounding the uncertainty for Serbia’s banks, but foreign players still see great potential. Nick Saywell reports from Belgrade.