The G-20 played a key role in averting a global depression but the IMF has greater overall legitimacy.

Banking in Africa faces major challenges but the outlook is compellingly positive for players who are committed to investing in the continent's growth.

The case for economic integration in Africa is clear: the 53 economies within the continent simply cannot compete in the global economy if they stand alone.

The global financial system needs better supervision, but this should not come at the expense of local regulatory expertise and participation in decisions that affect individual countries.

The recent management reshuffle at business software maker SAP led to the departure of the chief executive Leo Apotheker. His replacement as one of two co-CEOs, former head of product development, Jim Hagemann Snabe, gave his view of the post-crisis world in an interview with The Banker's editor Brian Caplen at Davos just before the announcement of his promotion.

The economic advisor to the Russian president explains why he is cautiously optimistic about the country's economic prospects for 2010. Interview by Philip Alexander.

An internationally agreed upon bankruptcy code, a global regulatory framework that allows banks to grow, less reliance on technology and a stronger focus on risk management are the key actions that must be taken in light of the past two years. Interview by Silvia Pavoni.

Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, president of Brazil

Brazil is widely tipped for economic greatness. Its leader revealed the vision behind the country's moves to growth during a keynote speech at a recent Financial Times investment conference.

James Flaherty, finance minister of Canada

With the rise of the G-20, some commentators have written off the G-7. Canada's finance minister James Flaherty dismisses this idea. He spoke to Brian Caplen at the IMF/World Bank meetings last month.

H E Rasheed Al-Maraj, Governor, Central Bank of Bahrain

The malaise that has hit the world's economies has left Bahrain relatively unscathed, leaving the country to concentrate on its Islamic finance offerings.