Continued losses for monoline insurers on structured products mean the model may be broken for the foreseeable future. New deals can still be done, but lower leverage will be vital. Writer Philip Alexander.

Slovakia’s qualification for eurozone entry is a rare success story in a tough year for the country. The qualification brings new opportunities for the banks, and also some logistical challenges. Writer Philip Alexander.

New state funds and laws are allowing Russia’s ailing infrastructure to catch up with its fast-growing economy. The Banker hears from some of the key players in a $1000bn market. Writer Philip Alexander.

Russian federal government finances have never looked healthier, but rising inflation, growing regional divides and the fallout from the conflict in Georgia mean finance minister Alexei Kudrin still has his work cut out.

The world faces the worst financial crisis for decades, yet only one emerging market sovereign has so far entered default. But untested new issuers, political risk and the persistent lack of agreed restructuring mechanisms mean sovereign debt is still far from a risk-free investment. Writer Philip Alexander.

Bank failures are the most extreme example of risk management gone badly wrong. In many less high-profile areas, a comprehensive rethinking of risk is taking place in the wake of the credit crunch. By Philip Alexander.

The US still looks like the preferred jurisdiction for those claiming damages over subprime-related losses, but the growth of litigation funding could create new opportunities in Europe. Writer Philip Alexander.

Leading European and US consumer finance players have expanded aggressively in central and eastern Europe, but they face a strong local competitor in the shape of PPF Group. Writer Philip Alexander.

A wave of equity issuance and market distaste for complexity suggest that hybrids might be falling out of fashion as a source of bank capital in Europe. But Philip Alexander finds that any decline is likely to be temporary.

When the credit crunch struck, Kazakhstan was first hit and worst hit among emerging markets. Philip Alexander looks for signs of recovery.