Beijing leads the global ranking of international financial centres in terms of assets, but western Europe has the most centres. 

The US commodities industry attracted more syndicated lending than nearly any other business in 2014. It also saw the largest rise in bad loans.  

Buy-to-let lending in Britain is now near its pre-crisis peak. Who is originating these mortgages? 

Negative rates stunt interest income as banks are reluctant to pass the costs onto depositors.

The spike in subprime auto lending in the US could cause headaches for less diversified lenders.  

Correspondent banking remains an important channel for financial flows in the eurozone, but it is becoming increasingly concentrated in the hands of just a few banks.

US financial services may have taken a hit in terms of inward foreign direct investment, but New York banks continue to dominate the rankings.

Lower provisions and a resurgent economy are helping Portuguese banks to become profitable again

Buoyed by an improving economy and more business-friendly regulation, foreign banks in Hungary could become profitable once more.

Spanish banks looked to Latin America to bolster their profits during the domestic financial crisis, but this could change as the region faces troubles of its own.