The Russian government is pushing hard for more financing to find its way to the small and medium-sized enterprise sector, but opaque accounts and a shortage of management skills are deterring banks and private equity funds alike.

The transaction banking landscape is undergoing a period of significant change, leaving bankers with the task of navigating competitive and regulatory pressures while staying focused on innovation and operating efficiency. At a recent round table hosted by The Banker, a panel of industry experts discussed these issues and how they are often intertwined. The event, part of an ongoing series, was sponsored by Royal Bank of Scotland, but independently written and edited.

With private sector credit growth negligible and non-performing loans still high, foreign-owned banks may need to rethink their strategies in Romania.

Turkish banks are following the lead of the country’s vibrant export sector and expanding into new regional markets, but their strategies vary widely.

As Europe's banks come to terms with the economic impact of Basel III's rules on capital requirements, their demand for trade finance deals in Latin America through the International Finance Corporation has waned. But this leaves the door open to North American and Asian banks looking to increase their presence in the region.

The exposure of Cypriot banks to the Greek economy has prompted rating downgrades for the country. But with some of the island's banks boasting high liquidity and interest from foreign investors, the long-term prospects look brighter.

Singapore’s strategic location in Asia is proving a boon to the city state’s transaction bankers, particularly as they seek to capture banking business from the world’s changing trade flows.

Hong Kong's economic success looks set to continue for some time yet, but challenges lie ahead for its exchange. How will it cope with declines in listing growth, and ultimately all out competition with its peers on the mainland?