Bermuda’s highly successful model as an offshore financial centre has inspired its share of imitators, but the banking sector is working hard to keep its edge, Philip Alexander reports from Hamilton.

Central banks may be squirming as inflation expectations continue to rise, but Philip Alexander finds bankers are getting comfortable with their clients’ efforts to protect themselves against higher prices.

Traditionally a low-risk area, the European covered bond market is now a much more volatile place. Philip Alexander explains how Portugal fits into the wider European picture.

Azerbaijan’s government is intensifying efforts to strengthen the non-oil and regional economies using oil revenues and legislative improvements. But inflation is a growing threat.

Italy’s leading light in eastern Europe, UniCredit has ambitious plans after buying into one of the region’s most dynamic markets with its purchase of Ukraine’s Ukrsotsbank, writes Philip Alexander.

BCR’s interim CEO is confident that the bank’s transformation will allow it to capitalise on the opportunities presented by one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, he tells Philip Alexander.

Borrower-friendly loan terms in 2006/07 will allow embattled companies to postpone debt restructuring despite tough conditions in 2008. But they might be wiser to engage creditors early, says Philip Alexander.

The Azerbaijan government is keen to use its geostrategic location and growing resources wealth to establish its status as a regional hub, and the financial sector is eager to play its part, reports Philip Alexander.

Azerbaijan’s authorities are pushing banks to entrench improved performance by adopting international management practices, reports Philip Alexander.

Behind the alarming headlines about bank bail-outs in the state sector, leading players in Germany’s capital markets are quietly making headway, reports Philip Alexander.