The state of China’s banks is a divisive topic – are they on the brink of collapse or part of a stable, state-controlled system? The country's financial institutions are reporting high profits and deposits, but with unquantified levels of bad debt, concerns over asset quality and overexposure to a weakening property market, questions are being asked about the long-term health of the sector.

Mongolia’s mining industry is driving the economy’s rapid expansion and bringing challenges for local banks, which are scrambling to keep up with such dramatic rates of growth.

The banking industry in Asia is dynamic, with a number of mergers and acquisitions shifting the competitive landscape for the region’s players. As global financial institutions are rethinking their strategies, and China’s behemoth banks are preoccupied with a massive domestic market, Asian regional banks are being presented with a window of opportunity.

Indonesia’s finance minister Agus Martowardojo was The Banker’s Finance Minister of the Year 2012, global and Asia-Pacific. He explains the economic polices behind the country's impressive growth.

Finance minister Tendai Biti has helped turn around Zimbabwe’s economy since taking office in 2009. But he faces a tough task trying to lure foreign investors to a country whose politics are still so messy. 

The second quarter of 2011 witnessed the highest ever level of private equity exits on record. However, the majority were achieved by leveraged buyouts funded by the easy availability of leveraged loans. This brings back uncomfortable memories and does not bode well for the private equity industry.

Agustín Carstens, central bank governor of Mexico suggests that central banks must play a more pivotal role in order to prevent such a widespread and deep-rooted crisis hitting again.

ESMA's Steven Maijoor argues that stricter regulation will improve the effectiveness and efficiency of credit rating agencies and help restore confidence in their ratings.

The EU has lost its way. Only by reverting to its original intention – of pooled sovereignty with all members pulling in the same direction for the greater good – can it get begin to recover from the crisis that currently engulfs it.