Under review: there have been calls for Bayern LB (headquarters pictured) to be sold following its recent difficultiesThe German Landesbanken were hit hard by the financial crisis, and bailouts at both state and federal level have allowed the national government and the EU to increase the pressure for both restructuring and reform. Writer Michael Marray
Open door: the merger between ICICI and the Bank of Rajasthan is the first consolidation in India since 2008Indian banks are demonstrating a return to good health and new players are set to enter the market. But overbanked urban areas and a seeming reluctance to enter a period of consolidation continues to hamper the industry's development. Writer Rekha Menon
Poor harvest: but Banco Galicia, a leader in the agricultural sector, closed 2009 with a $301.5m profitDespite the twin threats of the worst drought to strike South America in decades and the continuing fallout from global financial crisis, Argentina's lenders have survived relatively unscathed. And now a debt swap offer could allow the country to access international credit markets. Writer Silvia Pavoni
Dr Temitope Oshikoya, director-general of WAMIWest Africa's second monetary union project remains years behind its original schedule but recent progress towards convergence and the accession of a sixth member state have provided it with some much-needed momentum. Writer Daniel Maalo
Standing tall: the DIFC's headquarters, The Gate, is a symbol of Dubai's wealthIn addition to the global financial crisis, the Dubai World debt quandary has provided another test for the emirate's banks. Nevertheless, positive signs are emerging. Writer Daniel Maalo
The Banker toasts the talents of the world's top central bank governors whose leadership has been at the forefront of the battle to contain the global financial crisis.
Strong nerves and creative strategies have characterised the best-performing finance ministers over the past 12 months. Here The Banker recognises those whose will and skill have proved outstanding at tackling the immediate effects of the slump while positioning their countries for future growth.
Yunus Nacar, CEO of Türkiye Finans
Turkey's Islamic participation banks are becoming more ambitious, but are still looking for a model that competes more effectively with the conventional market. Writer James Gavin
Ali Babacan, finance minister and deputy prime minister of Turkey
Turkey's finance minister and deputy prime minister explains how the Turkish banking system survived the financial crisis relatively unscathed and outlines the country's economic policy for 2010 and beyond.
Brazil's past battles with hyperinflation have left the legacy of a payment system whose efficiency assists its economy's stability to such an extent that it has garnered a host of global admirers. Writer John Rumsey
Great potential: the use of credit cards in Iraq is on the riseA muscular banking sector will make or break whether Iraq is to rebuild and prosper. And while there are increasing levels of capital inflow into the region, local banking infrastructure remains limited, leaving the sector wide open for foreign investment. Writer Courtney Fingar in Baghdad
Emilio Botín, chairman of Banco Santander
The chairman of The Banker's Bank of the Year, Banco Santander, describes why the global crisis has largely bypassed his bank, and how the company's focus on customer service and efficiency will help its acquisitions across Europe, Latin America and the US to thrive.
Salaheddine Mezouar, Minister of Economy and Finance for Morocco
Morocco's minister of economy and finance spoke to The Banker about fiscal reform, his plans to invest in the country's infrastructure to further diversify its economy and his priorities for 2010. Writer Charlie Corbett
Henrique Meirelles, Central bank governor of Brazil
Brazil's central bank governor reflects on how the country managed to keep the worst of the financial crisis at bay and what further pitfalls lie ahead on its road to full recovery. Writer Charlie Corbett
As customer dissatisfaction with the UK's existing high street banks intensifies, new entrants are sprouting - many of which are extensions of established retail brands, striving to create the winning formula using their innate consumer insight. Will these new operations pose a sustained threat to the existing ones? Writer Michelle Price
Eugene Ludwig, Founder and CEO of Promontory Financial Group
Capital should simply be one of the barons of good risk management - not the king.
China has defied expectations by successfully establishing a number of state-owned, internationally competitive firms, but the country must increase its outward foreign direct investment if it is to establish a firmer footing in the global marketplace.
Heavy-handed regulatory reform in response to the financial crisis runs the risk of damaging the economy further. A measured response that accepts a certain level of risk makes good fiscal sense and will be a more sensible outcome.
The no-nonsense style of France’s finance minister has won her many admirers. She tells The Banker of how she intends to tackle the hardest task of her tenure, that of regulating France and Europe’s post-crisis banking landscape. Writer Silvia Pavoni
Trust and confidence in the Anglo-Saxon model of regulation have evaporated so much as a result of the financial crisis that Asian policy-makers are now beginning to rethink key issues about regulation from first principles.
UniCredit: CEE strategy now paying dividendsIn early 2009, shares in Austrian and Italian banks were pummelled by investors fearing that their exposure to central and eastern Europe would threaten balance sheets. Now they are fighting back, and staying safely in profit. Writer Philip Alexander
Stable structure: Jakarta's central business district has experienced growth throughout the global economic slumpPolicy reforms in Indonesia's banking sector have transformed shareholding structures and foreign investors have scooped up local banks. But further change is needed to enable the country to cope with an anticipated economic explosion, say local bankers. Writer Michelle Price
The Russian retail banking sector has survived the crisis largely intact, and the change of focus from growth to funding and risk management could have long-term benefits for its resilience. Writer Philip Alexander
Clockwise from top: Ukraine prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko; president Viktor Yushchenko; Independence Square in Ukraine capital KievThe past few years have been turbulent even by Ukraine's standards, but prime minister Yulia Tymoshenko insists the situation will settle after next year's presidential elections. Writer Courtney Fingar
Margarito Teves, secretary of the Department of Finance of the PhilippinesThe Philippines' finance minister says that the archipelago's economy has remained relatively resilient during the downturn compared with its export-dependent neighbours. But the budget deficit remains an ongoing problem. Writer Michelle Price
Nestor Tan, president of Banco de OroAs one of the Philippines' most dynamic bankers, Nestor Tan has overseen a series of acquisitions and mergers that have transformed Banco de Oro into the largest bank in the country by assets. Now he is eager for further growth by capitalising on opportunities presented by the recession. Writer Michelle Price
Money talks: the state bank of Brazil's Federal District, which contains capital city Brasilia, has been in buy-out negotiations with Banco do BrasilThe economic downturn has temporarily alleviated the pressure on Brazil's regional banks. They are using that breathing space to seek efficiencies, including cost cutting, improving customer service and seeking capital from new sources. They need to move fast: as national banks recover, acquisition of regional banks will once again become an attractive expansion strategy. Writer John Rumsey
Upward steer: Panama's canal expansion project will keep its economy moving in the right directionWith the exception of Panama, whose macroeconomy is cushioned by its canal expansion plan, GDP growth forecasts for the small economies of central America are negative this year as trade and investment from the US slows. Writer Jane Monahan
Key country: Brazil is the most important market in Latin America for HSBCHSBC's spectacular expansion in Latin America over the past 10 years has certainly paid dividends, with the group now the fifth largest in the region. Head of HSBC Latin America, Emilson Alonso, offers his views on the business and its strategy for the future. Writer Jane Monahan
Santiago: centre of one of the most dynamic economies in South AmericaWith one of the most liberalised economies in the world, prudent policies, and trading links with the Far East, Chile is poised to emerge from the downturn as a Latin American front-runner. Writer Jason Mitchell
Although the pre-tax profits of Latin American banks have slipped, Tier 1 capital figures have grown by 14% and Brazil has firmly held onto its regional dominance. Writer Silvia Pavoni
Jorge Tapia, global head of trade, export and commodities finance at SantanderThe severe slowdown of international trade flows and trade financing during the global crisis have impacted heavily on the export-dependent Latin American economies, yet there are signs that the market is starting to pick up. Writer Silvia Pavoni
Stuart Pearce, Qatar Financial Centre's chief executiveFor Qatar to compete with London and New York as a financial centre, it needs to be supported by a local talent pool. Qatar Financial Centre chief executive Stuart Pearce highlights two initiatives that will help the country in this regard. Writer Brian Caplen
Adib Mayaleh, governor of Central Bank of SyriaSyria's banking sector has made great strides in the past two decades, but is still dominated by small regional banks. Now the country's government is looking to major global names to take its economy forward. Writer Brian Caplen
Lamido Sanusi, governor of the Central Bank of NigeriaFiring the chief executives responsible for mismanaging Nigeria's banks has been the first step to fixing the country's financial problems. Now the system is more transparent, Central Bank of Nigeria governor Lamido Sanusi is spelling out his vision for banking reform and stability. Writer Peter Guest
Signs of the times: apartments for sale and rent in Javea on the Costa BlancaThe collapse in Spanish property prices and the rise in loan defaults and toxic assets has left the cajas - the 45 mutuals responsible for more than half of the country's mortgage lending - staring consolidation in the face in a bid for survival. Writer Jules Stewart
Bosnia's central bank in SarajevoThe 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
Cash rich: despite the global credit squeeze, the central banks in the GCC are well stocked with capitalThe Gulf Co-operation Council countries - Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar - have suffered as a result of the global economic downturn. Bank profits are down and there have even been some bank failures. But there is also plenty to be upbeat about, with some regions bucking the downward trend. Writer Michael Imeson
Ireland's finance minister has divided opinion with his 'bad bank' plan
As Ireland reels from its banking woes, a fierce debate is under way as to whether the government's 'bad bank' solution will be enough to open a route to recovery or whether widespread bank nationalisation is a more realistic option. Writer Philippa Maister
Tamil expats protest in Washington, DC
As Sri Lanka's civil war ends, domestic and global banks are eyeing potential stable investments in a country that has until now attracted a great deal of caution from financiers as a consequence of its long-running conflict. Writer Eric Ellis in Colombo
David Thompson - Barbados' prime minister
Unimpressed by the lack of representation for the world's smaller nations at the G-20 summit in London in April, Barbados' prime minister David Thompson took it upon himself to visit the city and tell the world of the plight of his country and others in the Caribbean. Writer Hugh O' Shaughnessy
Standing strong: Kuwait's financial system is bearing the brunt of the credit crunch well, although political tensions are clouding the country's future prospects
Tension between Kuwait's ruling government and elected parliament are hampering policy formation and intensifying uncertainty as the economy gets back on its feet. Will the new parliament elected last month change the situation? Writer Stephen Timewell
Press conference on co-operation between the Latin American development banks (l to r): Enrique Garcia, CAF president; Luis Alberto Moreno, IDB president; Jyrki Koskelo, IFC vice-president for Europe, central Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean and global financial markets; and Pamela Cox, World Bank vice-president for Latin America and the Caribbean
The slump in capital markets activity and a decline in cash flow has pushed Latin America's multilateral development banks to prominence as the biggest and most robust lenders in some of the region's principal credit markets. Writer Jane Monahan in Washington, DC
Igor Finogenov, EDB's executive chairman
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
Senator Richard Lugar: queried the ADB's loans to India and China because of their relative wealth
It may have been delayed, but the aftershock of the crisis in Western banks is having huge consequences in Asia. As a result, the Asian Development Bank has seen a revival in its importance as people look to it to prevent the damage festering. Writer Nick Parsons
The global financial crisis has limited the finances available for major projects in the Middle East. But this could be an opportunity for Islamic financiers to come up with sharia-compliant finance to make up for the shortfall of Western funds. Writer James Gavin
Abu Dhabi: ADIB is a key player in sharia-compliant funding in the area
Abu Dhabi's second Islamic bank was launched almost a year ago, just before the global financial crisis hit the Middle East. Despite this Al Hilal Bank continues to expand. Writer Mike Imeson
At your service: staff in Al Hilal branches cater for specific customer segments
In the current financial climate, five-year papers are considered a no-go area for US bond investors. This makes the $4m, five-year issue pulled off by Germany's Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau last month all the more remarkable. Writer Edward Russell-Walling
Drug company Roche made a rare foray into the markets recently, with BNP Paribas being among the bookrunners putting together its record-breaking euro bond deal to finance the purchase of US biotech firm Genentech. Writer Edward Russell-Walling
Nick van Gelder, head of Asia and Middle East infrastructure funds at Macquarie in Singapore
If Western banks pull back from project finance abroad, they will leave a large funding gap. But they will also create a golden opportunity for local players to grab market share. Writer Geraldine Lambe
John Rumsey, contributing editor of The Banker
As corporate social responsibility increases in prominence within business models, new strategies for implementation are being tried and tested across the banking industry. In Brazil, corporate governance has progressed significantly in recent years, yet it still has a long way to go, as The Banker's round table revealed. The round table is sponsored by Bradesco but independently edited by The Banker.
John Fildes, managing director of Instinet, Pacific
The global financial crisis has highlighted weaknesses in equity market structures. The markets must reform if they are to attract long-term institutional liquidity. Writer Michelle Price
The time for recriminations is over. Iceland’s political and financial system must be rebuilt, and fast, if it is to maintain the quality of life to which its people has become accustomed. EU membership is increasingly regarded as the only viable option but it will be hotly contested. Writer Charlie Corbett in Reykjavik.
In recent months, the State Bank of Vietnam has allowed five international banks to convert into wholly owned local entities in the country, opening its banking sector up to competition and bringing broader products and services to the market. Writer Nick Freeman.
Enrique García, CAF
The Andean Development Corporation (CAF), set up by various Latin American governments, is proof of the benefits of partnership between developing nations. Enrique García, the bank’s president, discusses the reasons behind its success. Writer Hugh O’Shaughnessy.
Short-term trade finance has come apart in Latin America but banks and governments are focusing on home markets to the detriment of a global solution. The effects are reverberating hard in emerging markets and a dependence on devalued commodities and over-aggressive hedging by exporters are exacerbating the situation. Writer John Rumsey.
A recent history of political turmoil has taught Lebanon to manage its risk carefully. Domestic banks’ highly conservative approach has not only helped insulate them from the crisis but means they are now attracting funds from local depositors who have lost confidence in foreign institutions. Writer Jules Stewart.
Henri Guillemin, Crédit Agricole
Extensive reform means Egypt’s banks are better placed to face global economic turmoil than ever before, but the fragile, export-driven economy will be hit hard and the bank sector is not immune to the consequences. Writer Charlie Corbett in Cairo.
Matthew Wyles
The retail banking industry in the UK has been unsophisticated and lacking in transparency for too long. Now is the time for the banks to move boldly and learn from other retail sectors. Writer Michelle Price.
