Donald Kaberuka, president of African Development Bank, admits that it is folly to expect rich countries to honour their financial commitments to Africa and that investment must be courted if the continent is to move forwards. Interview by James Eedes.

An initiative that will allow cross-border investment between two of the biggest bourses in Latin America may be the first step in a greater stock market integration that will give medium-sized companies in the region access to much-needed capital. Jane Monahan reports.

Regional co-operation through the Asian Bond Fund initiatives will make intermediation between savings and investment increasingly effective in the region, says Joseph Yam.

Asia is just one of the regions where BBVA wants to grow its footprint. CEO Francisco González tells Karina Robinson what buying stakes in China’s CITIC banks will achieve.

Kosit Panpiemras, deputy prime minister of Thailand, talks to The Banker about the interim government’s plans.

A measured optimism is taking hold in the post-coup environment, as bankers expect new regulations and heightened competition. Simon Montlake reports from Bangkok.

Charles Smith reports on the all-round benefits of deregulating Japan’s municipal finance market and in particular the opportunities that will arise for foreign banks and investors.

The impact of events in 1979 continues to reverberate in the changing balance of power between the West and the East. Christopher Coker considers the consequences as China’s influence is felt through the world.

A series of mergers have given UralSib a highly diversified profile and turned it into Russia’s largest privately owned commercial bank. Ben Aris reports from Moscow.

Based in western Siberia, Sibacadembank has been expanding virtually unopposed, attracting international suitors and making plans to float. Chairman Igor Kim talks to Ben Aris.