Emilio Botín, the chairman of Banco Santander, explains how the bank's geographical diversification and philosophy of operating standalone subsidiaries has helped it thrive during the worst years of the crisis, and stand it in good stead for the future.

Peru is one of the fastest growing economies in South America and is making strong progress in developing its infrastructure to establish itself as a gateway between Asia and Latin America. However, its finance minister is still focused on boosting the country's prosperity and eradicating poverty.

Turkey’s government wants to establish Istanbul as an international financial hub in time for the country’s 100th anniversary as a republic in 2023. The country's geographical location certainly works to its advantage, but it has much to achieve in just 10 years. Will it succeed?

Mauritius, one of Africa’s most open economies, is suffering from Europe’s woes. But rather than attempting to isolate the country, its finance minister is trying to diversify its export markets and develop new industries. 

Mugur Isarescu, the governor of the National Bank of Romania, discusses Romania's tumultuous economic past, the health of its financial sector and pathways to future growth.

By the end of 2013, all of the Central and Eastern European Stock Exchange Group's exchanges will have upgraded their trading systems to Xetra. Michael Buhl, joint-CEO of the Vienna Stock Exchange and CEESEG, explains the importance of centralising systems while retaining a local identity.

The National Bank of Greece's acquisition of Turkey's Finansbank in 2006 faced much scepticism but the Turkish bank's chief believes that despite the countries' previous hostile relationship and Greece's recent debt crisis, it was a move that has paid off.

Christophe Mianné, the new deputy of Société Générale’s corporate and investment banking operation, is targeting a change in mindset as much as a change in structure.

Given the size of its economy and the rapid pace at which it is growing, Nigeria has a good chance of establishing an international financial centre to rival Johannesburg – Africa's only IFC. The west African country is already close to creating the legal framework necessary, but overcoming the negative perceptions of many international banks will prove a tricky obstacle to overcome.

Competition among Nigeria’s biggest banks will become even fiercer in the coming few years thanks to the creation of two new top-tier lenders in the wake of the country’s financial crisis. But the head of First Bank, the largest lender in Nigeria, is undaunted by the emergence of these rivals.