Japan managed only to raise its head from its endless slump, before falling back into the same pattern.

The top order of banks in the central and eastern Europe (CEE) region changed little in 2007, but the striking story is the strength of the largest Russian banks.

Mergers and acquisitions (M&A) are responsible for remodelling the Top 25 western European banks in this year’s listings. As ABN AMRO is consolidated onto the balance sheets of its three purchasers, it disappears from our rankings, while RBS, Santander and Fortis all move up the table.

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Banks may be suffering as the credit crunch bites, but the past year shows the industry has the resilience to stop a setback turning into a disaster. By Stephen Timewell. Research by Terry Baker-Self, Valentina Lorenzon & Beata Ghavimi.

A successful brand will deliver a better customer experience, higher revenues and more profits. The Banker’s Top 500 Financial Brands listing puts a financial value on the leading brands and ranks them accordingly. Report by Michael Imeson.

Banks’ overall downturn in performance, despite Japan’s economic growth, signals a rough road ahead.

Despite infrastructure issues and a lack of scenery, São Paulo has seen off local rivals and is emerging as the region’s pre-eminent financial centre. John Rumsey explains.

Hong Kong has emerged as the clear global financial centre in Asia, standing alongside London and New York. Mark Michelson examines the drivers behind the city’s success.

Professor Joe Bannister, chairman of Malta Financial Services Authority, talks to The Banker about the role of the regulator and its vision for the industry in Malta.

Thierry Gigant, managing director at BNP Paribas in Cyprus, tells The Banker what Cyprus has to offer financial institutions and how regulations, EU accession and joining the euro affect business.