There has been plenty of talk globally about the need for banks to return to traditional values and operating models to avoid future financial turmoil. Malta is following this path and is reaping the rewards for its conservatism. Writer Michael Imeson.

Banco Santander’s capital raising last November was unexpected but investors responded surprisingly well. While Spanish banks have largely managed to avoid the fallout of the subprime crisis, the government is taking measures to ensure that any further global setbacks only have a minimal impact upon the country. Writer Jules Stewart.

Islamic banks’ ability to withstand the global downturn has fuelled an expansion of Islamic finance around the world. But most institutions are taking a measured approach to growth. Writer Joseph DiVanna.

Mexico’s equity markets have succumbed to global malaise and recovery will depend less on commodity prices, as is the case for most of Latin America, and more on improved debt markets and a US recovery. Writer John Rumsey.

The former UBS banker talks about his solo venture to create BTG, a Brazilian trading house-cum-merchant bank based in São Paulo. Writer John Rumsey.

The former UK prime minister turned international envoy talks about his latest initiatives for improving African governance. Interview by Peter Guest.

Are French banks in a stronger position than others to weather the economic crisis? Probably yes, as their model, which is more stable and highly diversified, differs appreciably from that of other international players.

London’s role as a global financial centre has been damaged by the current crisis and the UK’s ruling Labour Party must bear some of the responsibility for this. However, there is a political consensus to remedy the situation.

The global financial crisis is a time of opportunity as well as challenge, to be grasped with both hands.

Good news from Africa is often drowned out by a tide of negative reporting. The Banker aims to combat this by profiling the achievements of leading young Africans. Writer Charlie Corbett.