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

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

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.

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

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil

Brazil is widely tipped for economic greatness. Its leader revealed the vision behind the country's moves to growth during a keynote speech at a recent Financial Times investment conference.