Japan's banks recorded unremarkable increases in profitability and returns over the past year, yet the country's big players have maintained their prominence within the global rankings, suggesting that their disappointing performance is part of a wider global trend. But with the data from the months following the disasters of March 2011 yet to be revealed, the performance of Japan's banks could yet take a further hit.

Issuing in Europe in 2011 has been a hazardous task, but Com Hem's highly leveraged buyout bridge underwritten by joint mandated lead arranger Goldman Sachs managed to defy the odds, thanks in no small part to the diverse elements of the deal.

The Iranian government is insistent that the growing number of sanctions on the country is not having a detrimental effect on the country's economy. Yet, with its banks limited by the financial instruments they can use and the international banks that they can partner, it is proving increasingly difficult for them to remain profitable.

Turkey’s largest bank, Isbank, enjoyed return on equity of almost 20% in 2010, but new chief executive Adnan Bali is preparing for any fallout from the eurozone crisis and tightening margins in the competitive domestic market.

Many of Azerbaijan's banks were hit by economic slowdown and falling real estate valuations in 2010, and there are signs that a significant shake-up of the sector is beginning.