Sovereign wealth fund Samruk-Kazyna became the main vehicle for the Kazakh government to rescue a distressed banking sector and ailing economy. Its CEO, Kairat Kelimbetov, explains the fund's next steps. Writer Philip Alexander
Consumer lending moves eastwards
December 8, 2010Home Credit Group, one of the largest unsecured retail lending specialists in eastern Europe, is pioneering the model in China and Vietnam. Writer Philip Alexander
France and Canada target Islamic markets
November 24, 2010Many countries are bidding to build Islamic finance hubs; France and Canada are no exception, but each is taking a very different course.
Islamic investment banks face new risks
November 24, 2010In 2008, as conventional investment banks faced huge losses, Islamic investment banks were heralded as the last bastion of conservative, lower-risk investment, insulated by prudent management.
Focus of growth shifts to Asia
November 24, 2010Asia's emergence as the healthiest engine of global economic growth is as evident in Islamic finance as it is in the conventional banking sector. The Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) region remains the core of Islamic finance, accounting for more than 40% of total sharia-compliant assets.
Islamic finance spreads its wings
November 24, 2010The 30 new entrants for this year's Top 500 Islamic Financial Institutions ranking include some from five countries not previously represented in the survey, conveying the dynamism of a sector that continues to expand into uncharted markets.
Collateral damage
September 29, 2010There is broad consensus that moving over-the-counter derivatives to central clearing will reduce individual and systemic risks, but this is not a panacea. Writer Philip Alexander
An island of value in stormy times
September 29, 2010Poland's treasury minister is confident that the country can meet ambitious privatisation targets despite adverse capital market conditions. Interview by Philip Alexander.
Kyrgyzstan's banks are under pressure
August 30, 2010Persistent violence in the south of Kyrgyzstan, combined with the interim government's fears about capital flight, are placing heavy pressure on the country's banking sector. Writer Philip Alexander
FIG markets adjust to new realities
August 30, 2010In markets beset by uncertainty over new Basel regulations, bank balance-sheet quality and the sovereign debt overhang, The Banker invited the heads of financial institutions groups at major banks to discuss how issuers can respond. Writer Philip Alexander