Despite its relatively low level of activity, the potential of Beirut Stock Exchange is causing both local and foreign investors to take notice. Writer Daniel Maalo

Lebanon's minister of finance, Raya Haffar Al Hassanm, only took office last November but is already making inroads on attracting private investors to the region and tackling structural economic deficiencies. Writer Daniel Maalo

Concerns may remain but following long periods of instability, but Lebanon's economic resurgence shows few signs of abating. Writer Daniel Maalo

Lebanon's banking sector continues to confound the pessimism that has plagued global finance since the onset of the crisis. However, the threat of political instability lingers, as does the possibility of an overdue round of consolidation. Writer Daniel Maalo

Nicaragua's finance minister tells The Banker how government efforts to attract foreign direct investment to the relatively untapped energy sector are seen as crucial if the region is finally to shake itself out of poverty. Writer Silvia Pavoni

In the process of attempting to win support for regulatory reform within the US banking industry from both Republicans and financial institutions, concerns are being raised that too many concessions are being made, thus limiting the intended impact of the proposals. Writer Jane Monahan