State Bank of India is the country's leading state bank, while HDFC Bank is the leading private sector lender. Rekha Menon profiles the top five banks in each field to assess how they are operating within this notoriously difficult but potentially lucrative market.

Spain’s banks are looking much more stable, having cut non-performing assets in response to European Central Bank pressure. A reduction in overall bank numbers through mergers has streamlined the industry, though observers say increasing profitability remains challenging. Jules Stewart reports.

Stung by a financial crisis in 2003, Myanmar has since taken a strict line on fiscal prudence but now observers fear this is curbing growth. Banks, both domestic and foreign, are lobbying for reforms to relax the rules on lending, as Peter Janssen reports.

After influential campaigns, investor pressure and research pointing to higher returns by more gender-balanced firms, why are banks still male? Silvia Pavoni investigates.

Global regulations are making it harder for banks to lend for much-needed infrastructure projects in the developing world even as governments globally are advocating for private finance to get more involved. Adrienne Klasa looks at possible solutions.

Consolidation in Chile’s banking sector – widely considered to be the best run in Latin America – has left six major players, and while not all mergers have gone smoothly, observers say the prospects for all are positive. Brian Caplen reports on the strategies adopted by the successful few.

Portugal’s left-wing government has not only surprised observers with its stability and popularity, the coalition some called a geringonça, or contraption, has overseen the country’s move from bailout recipient to credit rating star. But, as Peter Wise reports, there is still work to be done.

Renu Satti, CEO at the banking arm of India’s largest e-commerce platform, Paytm, tells Stefania Palma how it intends to achieve its ambitious growth plans.

'Hi-tech, high touch' is the mantra of many banks looking to revamp and revitalise their branch networks. But after years of increasing digital interaction, declining footfall and extensive branch closures, can banks entice customers back into the branch? Joy Macknight investigates.