The 2013 meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund are, as has been the case in recent years, set to focus on the global economy and economic recovery, but will the internal wranglings of the group overshadow proceedings? 

The Banker profiles six senior figures at the International Monetary Fund, and looks at the ways that they are changing and improving the institution's policies, strategy and reputation.

With criticism from both outside and inside the organisation, the World Bank Group has had to rethink its strategy and objectives in recent years. World Bank president Jim Yong Kim discusses these changes in an exclusive interview with The Banker, explaining why the institution remains a vital force on the world stage and how it plans to tackle pressing global problems such as poverty and climate change.

The Philippines has enjoyed a lot of success in growing its microfinance market and pursuing financial inclusion. Moreover, widening the banking base has arguably had a positive effect on the country's overall financial stability.

Moves to establish an EU-wide banking union have developed at a rapid pace in recent months, and, if carried out properly, would complete the creation of a single market for financial services throughout Europe.

Although his time as Dutch finance minister gives him a deep understanding of policy-making, ABN Amro chief Gerrit Zalm has mixed views on the current tide of regulatory initiatives in Europe.

Guinea's austerity measures have not proven popular with the country's army and civil service, but have impressed the IMF and other international observers. Its president and finance minister explain the challenges they have met in rebuilding the newly democratic country, and how they intend to turn it into a resource-based African powerhouse.

Somalia’s central bank governor has to create a financial system virtually from scratch. But, as Paul Wallace writes, there is no shortage of foreign and local investors wanting to establish banks in the country, which seems to be on the mend for the first time in two decades.

Bank of Korea governor Choongsoo Kim tells Jane Cooper how he aims to bridge the gap at international meetings between emerging and developed economies, and how he plans to globalise South Korea’s central bank.