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.  

Private equity funds in Vietnam are proving themselves invaluable as more of the country’s state-owned enterprises are privatised. Peter Janssen reports.

Languishing down the development table, land-locked Laos is investing heavily in a joint venture to build a rail link between its capital and the Chinese border. Peter Janssen reports.

Greater capital requirements and pressures on profits are likely to increase competition among Polish banks and encourage further consolidation. Stefanie Linhardt reports.

Indebtedness to China has obliged Sri Lanka to hand over a major port to its financier. Is this an emerging pattern in Asia? Nikkei staff writer Yuji Kuronuma reports. 

China’s Belt and Road Initiative is set to include the first high-speed railway in Indonesia, but questions linger on the funding prospects for the $6bn project. Nikkei staff writer Erwida Maulia reports.