Central and Eastern Europe - The Banker

There are no guarantees that a new president will usher in greater economic and political stability in Ukraine, which makes further consolidation likely in the country's under-pressure banking sector. Writer Philip Alexander

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A diversified economy of micro-businesses has shielded Kosovo from the worst effects of the financial crisis, but its unresolved national status and uncertain legal environment continue to pose challenges. Writer Nick Saywell

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Dominant state-owned Sberbank has not so far matched its entrenched status with market-leading service quality. The bank's head of strategy, Denis Bugrov, explains how he aims to change that. Writer Philip Alexander

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The global slowdown has not spared Bosnia-Herzegovina, but the conservative strategies of many local banks have given them some support and protection. Writer Philip Alexander

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By the onset of the global credit squeeze in 2007, Russian companies had racked up at least $300bn in foreign debt and more than 100 were considering equity listings abroad. The world has since been transformed as companies battle for scarce capital and funding. This round table on financing for Russian companies, held in April, gave senior bankers the opportunity to discuss the challenges with investors, corporate advisers and company executives. It was sponsored by VTB Capital but independently edited by The Banker.

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The chairman of PrivatBank explains how the bank intends to ride out the downturn through its focus on increasing liquidity and improving the quality of its loan portfolio. Writer Brian Caplen

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The importance of small regional development banks in emerging Europe has surged as credit ratings decline and global commercial banks cut back project and trade finance. Writer Philip Alexander

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A fall in the exchange rate has caused problems for borrowers in foreign currency. But moderate loan-to-value ratios and high levels of capital should see the banks through. Writer Nick Kochan

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One of the world’s fastest-growing regions during the boom years, eastern Europe became one of the major victims of the credit crunch as aggressive lending strategies turned sour. But there are still plenty of banks in a position to thrive. Writer Jan Cienski in Warsaw.

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Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz outlines the tortuous process of ditching socialist operating modes that ex-communist banks were forced to endure in order to become the competitive institutions they are today.

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Croatia has not been immune to the global liquidity squeeze, but measures taken by its central bank in recent years to avoid an uncontrolled build-up of foreign debt mean the banking system may be less vulnerable than some of its local counterparts. Writer Nick Saywell.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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As recessions loom in the Baltic states, Scandinavian banks have reason to be grateful for their reliable domestic earnings, reports Karina Robinson.

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

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