Payments experts believe that most of the firms that will lead innovation on payments are brand new businesses that are not in the financial services industry. 

The IIF is preparing a report recommending that the financial industry increases transparency and improves risk and liquidity management to ride out the credit crunch, writes Rick Waugh.

The future business of Yucho Bank, the unwieldy beast that emerged from the privatisation of Japan’s postal system, is unclear and it faces hostility from private players. Charles Smith reports from Tokyo.

UralSib is among the lucky few to benefit from the credit crunch. Virtually unreliant on international financing, the bank has stood strong and is now winning custom from rivals that are struggling. Its CEO Andrei Donskikh talks to Ben Aris.

Italy’s leading light in eastern Europe, UniCredit has ambitious plans after buying into one of the region’s most dynamic markets with its purchase of Ukraine’s Ukrsotsbank, writes Philip Alexander.

BCR’s interim CEO is confident that the bank’s transformation will allow it to capitalise on the opportunities presented by one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, he tells Philip Alexander.

Nestlé chairman Peter Brabeck tells Karina Robinson why the multi-national company, like its customers, is embarking on a wellness and nutrition diet.

In the financial markets, there seems to be a repeating pattern of related crises and business collapses every decade or so. Could it be because lessons are not being learned from past mistakes? By Chris Skinner.

HSBC’s covered bond team planned its winning strategy for ING’s covered bond issue around confidence building, and gathered interest in a cautious market through shadow bookbuilding. Edward Russell-Walling reports.

Eastern Europe’s growth spurt looks unsustainable in the light of spiralling inflation – a glum thought for the Kiev gathering.