Its longevity is as unique as its global appeal and from its very first issue to this, its 1000th, The Banker has remained true to the vision set out by its founder, Brendan Bracken. The international outlook and forward thinking that has made The Banker such a success over the past 83 years is a course that will be steadfastly continued. Writer Stephen Timewell

The Bracken column is named after Brendan Bracken, the founding editor of The Banker in 1926 and chairman of the modern-day Financial Times from 1945 to 1958.
There is a good deal of support for Jacques de Larosière’s February 2009 report on how to 'repair' the EU's financial supervisory and regulatory structures, balancing just enough centralisation with national safeguards to get widespread support. But he barely considers the key question of who will provide funds to tackle a banking crisis if the decisions to save or let a bank go affect more than one country. While funding is a domestic problem, it is also a domestic political tool to be shaped in line with national objectives, national priorities and national beneficiaries.

Multilateral support has surged in importance in central and eastern Europe as the era of excess leverage unwinds. However, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will stay true to its principles.
Thomas Mirow, President of EBRD

The merger of Itaú and Unibanco is not to be rushed, says Roberto Setubal, CEO of the new bank, who believes the two very different management styles will be dovetailed to create a highly productive organisation.

Latvia has been the worst-hit of the three Baltic states following the global credit squeeze and economic slowdown. Bank of Latvia governor Ilmars Rimsevics tells Lara Williams how policy makers are responding to the challenges.

Love it or hate it, the banking world can no longer afford to ignore or resist the latest social networking phenomenon that is sweeping the world.

When food group Premier was weighed down by debt after adding new brands to its portfolio, Goldman Sachs' last-minute, three-pronged restructuring plan saved the day.

Left to right: Andrew Wilkinson, Dominic Lee and Rob Pulford