African countries are being held back by a lack of integration across the continent. Some say it is time to redraw the map by breaking down borders and deepening regional blocs, which will enable free trade to flourish. 

Brazil may be the world’s seventh largest economy in terms of gross domestic product, but its legislation and taxation policies, not to mention its infrastructure, still needs a lot of work if the country is to realise its full potential.

Peru's central bank governor, Julio Velarde, explains that with increasing levels of private investment, there is potential for further growth in the country.

Non-performing loans soared after a steep economic slowdown in Tajikistan, but improvements in its regulation and management practices have laid the foundations for a much more stable banking system in the country.

While South Korean manufacturers have achieved global success, the country’s banks have struggled to break out of the domestic market. The government is now looking to introduce new regulations aimed at boosting the international competitiveness of its financial institutions. 

Economically, Africa has been growing apace according to Donald Kaberuka, the president of the African Development Bank. But socially the continent is still struggling. The north African uprisings show that now, more than ever, it is time to focus on what Africans actually want.

Huge public debts, lacklustre political leadership, teetering on the edge of an abyss... For Italy in 2011, read Italy in 1992, or Italy in the mid 1970s. The country has failed to learn the lesson of past crises and will have to make some unpopular decisions if it is to break this cycle.

Magnus Bocker, CEO of the Singapore Exchange, looks at why the Asian market is so vibrant right now.

Moves to establish economic communities in Asia are gathering pace. Atsushi Saito, president and CEO of the Tokyo Stock Exchange Group, explains why Japan will be a leader in any such regionalisation.

The growth of China's banking sector continues unabated, with banks the length and breadth of the country, small and large, turning in impressive performances in The Banker's Top 100 Chinese Banks ranking.