Financial difficulties at some of Russia’s largest institutions and a contracting banking sector have led The Banker to shorten its ranking of the country's banks from 100 to 50. However, there have been some positive developments, such as an increase in capitalisation. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Latest articles from Stefanie Linhardt
Czech National Bank governor looks to a stable 2018
February 1, 2018Having lifted the exchange rate cap on the koruna after more than three years in 2017, the governor of the Czech National Bank talks to Stefanie Linhardt about his expectations for the year ahead.
A job part finished: why Ukraine's banking sector needs faster reform
February 1, 2018Ukraine’s banking sector is often celebrated as the section of the country’s economy that has seen the most effective reforms. Yet the past 12 months have highlighted just how much work remains to be done. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Will Germany reach an EU consensus?
January 2, 2018From being an EU stalwart, Germany finds itself divided into supporters and sceptics, with long-serving chancellor Angela Merkel fighting to form a government that can keep the European project on track. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Will Catalonia independence movement dent Spain’s economic recovery?
December 1, 2017As Spain’s economy is forecast to outpace 2008 GDP growth for the first time since the eurozone crisis, its own constitutional problems are posing a risk to the upbeat projections, writes Stefanie Linhardt.
Belarus inches toward economic recovery
November 1, 2017Belarus is gradually coming out of recession though its public sector reforms are too slow for some. This, combined with high dollarisation, could restrict its growth, writes Stefanie Linhardt.
Belarus banks teeter on the brink of change
November 1, 2017High NPL levels, an economy in need of de-dollarisation and the prominence of state-owned institutions are behind moves to consolidate and improve Belarus's banking sector. However, as Stefanie Linhardt reports, the pace of change is not as fast as some had hoped.
Croatian central bank governor talks down Agrokor impact
October 2, 2017The restructuring of indebted retail giant Agrokor shook Croatia earlier in 2017, but central bank governor Boris Vujčić tells Stefanie Linhardt that the country's economy is still on course for growth, though some banks could take a hit on their profit sheets.
Elvira Nabiullina: how Russia is meeting inflation expectations
September 1, 2017Russia's central bank governor talks to Stefanie Linhardt about how the country is reaching its inflation targets, why its international reserves have been rising, what impact low interest rates have had, and why Russia's banking sector is now in a stable position.
Bruno Le Maire: France is back in business
September 1, 2017France embraced change at its recent presidential election, writes its minister for the economy and finance. Now Emmanuel Macron’s new government aims to transform the economy by reforming labour laws, cutting business taxes, boosting training and overhauling the pension system. It also has its eye on shaking up the EU.