Hungary has enjoyed stronger economic growth than many of its European neighbours in recent years, but the country's minister of economy Mihály Varga is wary of taking this success for granted, insisting that the country's long-term outlook hinges on a number of external factors, from the recovery of the eurozone to a resolution of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Daniel Wong, the head of Macquarie Capital Europe (excluding Germany, Austria and Switzerland), has a long history of working on the investment bank's infrastructure projects, but in his new role he is keen to explore other opportunities for the lender, with a particular focus upon the ECM and energy markets.
As the need to resolve the eurozone crisis intensifies, member states seem to be moving further apart on key issues, including the architecture of the union and the terms of Greece's bail-out package. But while political rifts open up, many economists agree that the only way forward is by working towards greater economic integration.
Since Didier Valet took the helm at Société Générale’s investment banking operations much has changed. But Mr Valet is not one to rest on his laurels, with SocGen’s acquisition of Newedge presenting some particularly enticing opportunities.
From dealing with the knock-on effects of the US and EU sanctions on Russia to preparing for the adoption of the euro, Lithuania's finance minister Rimantas Šadžius has been kept busy this year. But, despite the headwinds, Lithuania has managed to record one of the highest GDP growth rates in Europe.
Cyprus's banks all passed the European Central Bank's stress tests, a result that is indicative of the recovery that is under way in the country's financial sector. However, for these institutions to return to full health they must tackle their non-performing loans, a feat that is as much in the hands of the country's politicians as its bankers.
Iceland's banking sector has recovered impressively from its 2008 collapse, and the banks formed from the ashes of that period are performing well. However, the clouds of the past still linger, and the winding-up processes of the failed Kaupthing, Glitnir and Landsbanki are still to be resolved.
A rise in issuances, an increasingly diverse issuer base and the development of guiding principles have all contributed to the rise of green bonds. But, as they become more investor friendly, advocates of such products are keen to ensure that they remain environmentally friendly, too.
While much of Europe has struggled over the past few years, the Polish economy has remained resilient, maintaining a sound banking system and hitting its inflation targets. This is why the president of the National Bank of Poland, Marek Belka, is remaining cautious on the topic of eurozone membership, and has no intention of opting into the European banking union.