Thailand seemed to be ushering in a golden age of financial security, until high-level political scandal and terrorist attacks sent its fragile economy crashing back down to earth. Simon Montlake reports.

Shamshad Akhtar, governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, talks to Jules Stewart about the influence of the US macroeconomy on Pakistan’s economic landscape and the importance for the developing world in keeping open this window to the West.

Structured products are a result of investors becoming moresophisticated and demanding. Now banks are happy to tailor investments to meet a client’s every wish. Joanne Hart reports.

If British banks are forced to cut the penalties they charge on current accounts, there is a danger that they will make up the shortfall elsewhere, writes Michael Imeson.

Saudi Arabia seems to be entering a new golden age, with barriers to the financial sector being lowered and project finance booming. Stephen Timewell reports from Riyadh and Jeddah.

With the retail market key, Malaysian banks are placing great emphasis on cross-selling while rolling out simple technologies that improve service. Dan Barnes reports.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Mohammed Yunus talks to Kala Rao about the growing role of microfinance in the global economy, the challenges the sector faces moving from the informal to formal status, the need for regulation and the role that governments can play.

Nordic banks have traditionally adopted decentralised management structures, incorporating collective business practices while eschewing securitisation. Brian Caplen assesses whether this model can be made to work overseas.

The growth of loan issuance has been accompanied by a record increase in secondary market trading and the arrival of derivatives linked to these assets. Natasha de Terán explores how the market is developing.

As the global financial services pie expands, New York City’s business is contracting and many blame this on unfavourable regulation. Dan Barnes reports on the prospects for regulatory reform.