India's HDFC Bank recently upgraded its ATM network. The bank's chief information officer, Anil Jaggia explains how it has increased transaction speeds, boosted sales and implemented SMS-based anti-fraud measures.

A banking sector ripe for development, family businesses ready to go global and resource-rich nations with cash aplenty have meant private equity firms are buzzing over Africa's untapped potential.

Business is booming for the wealth management sector in Brazil. Large domestic banks still dominate the industry but international players have found plenty of scope to move in on this expanding market.

The governor of Thailand's central bank has had an eventful first few months in the role, including raising the Bank of Thailand's benchmark rates by 25 basis points and having to closely monitor the baht.

Amid riots and concerns over more upheaval, Thailand's banks enjoyed a prosperous 2010. While the country's dependence on exports leaves it at the mercy of US and Chinese economic policies, major players in Thailand seem well prepared to cope with any slowdown.

A new agreement between Taiwan and China has opened up the financial markets to each country's banks. With growth slowing in Taiwan, its banks are looking to expand by targeting the many Taiwanese businesses that have become established in China.

Taiwan's economy enjoyed an apparent boom in 2010, enjoying GDP growth of about 10%, but the jury is still out on whether that represents sustainable recovery.

The state giants still dominate the banking landscape in Russia, with private-sector institutions having much smaller market shares. The system remains largely Russian-owned, but a number of foreign-owned banks have gained a foothold and are earning a decent profit.