South Korea has enjoyed miraculous economic growth for the past four decades, setting it apart from many of its Asian peers. But as an engine of export and an overleveraged economy, it is now highly exposed to the global financial crisis. Writer Michelle Price

While US and European banks went into meltdown, India's banks reported healthy profits. Many applaud the country's liquidity policy for helping avoid the West's pitfalls, but does this hamper the country's capital requirements? Writer Rekha Menon

The Monetary Authority of Singapore is predicting greater flows of trade between the Middle East and Asia, and has issued its first sukuk by way of preparation. Its managing director explains why. Writer Geraldine Lambe

At a time when other regulators are looking to impose tougher controls, the Malaysian Central Bank is pushing for further liberalisation. Writer Geraldine Lambe

Thailand is suffering tumbling export receipts and a decline in business confidence and investment. Its recently installed minister of finance discusses how he plans to get the country through the crisis. Writer Simon Montlake

Having already introduced many tax and business incentives, Malaysia is consolidating its position as an up-and-coming hub for Islamic finance. Its policies reflect the belief that developing the sector is crucial to the country's future success. Writer Geraldine Lambe

The global financial crisis has highlighted weaknesses in equity market structures. The markets must reform if they are to attract long-term institutional liquidity. Writer Michelle Price

As corporate social responsibility increases in prominence within business models, new strategies for implementation are being tried and tested across the banking industry. In Brazil, corporate governance has progressed significantly in recent years, yet it still has a long way to go, as The Banker's round table revealed. The round table is sponsored by Bradesco but independently edited by The Banker.

If Western banks pull back from project finance abroad, they will leave a large funding gap. But they will also create a golden opportunity for local players to grab market share. Writer Geraldine Lambe

Drug company Roche made a rare foray into the markets recently, with BNP Paribas being among the bookrunners putting together its record-breaking euro bond deal to finance the purchase of US biotech firm Genentech. Writer Edward Russell-Walling