Turkey is defying the onset of recession across Europe by reporting hefty profits and robust growth – although foreign investment is getting harder to come by. Writer Metin Demirsar.

Portugal’s businesses have had to adjust to the financial climate change as the credit crunch makes itself felt, leaving simple funding a thing of the past. Writer Peter Wise.

Global jitters and the escalating cost of financing have forced Portuguese banks to drastically alter their credit model. Writer Peter Wise.

The Dresdner and Postbank deals look like big news and might increase competitiveness, but what effect will they really have on the German banking landscape? Writer Michael Marray.

Two years of consolidation have transformed the landscape of Italian banking – and in the process the country’s financial institutions have become experts in extracting maximum value from merging companies. Writer David Lane.

Industrialist and Infosys chairman N R Narayana Murthy talks about the challenges that confront the Indian IT services sector, and the economy in general.

Brazil’s banks are coming to terms with new regulations on the tariffs they levy on consumers. Writer Michael Imeson.

Inflation may be well above target but Uganda’s central bank earns high marks from bankers for emphasising risk management. The Banker talks to David Okiopello, acting deputy governor of the Bank of Uganda.

A rush of new banks, rapid branch expansion by established banks and an emerging mortgage battle are among developments that are enlivening Uganda’s banking scene.

Encouraged by the IMF, Gulf investors are preparing guidelines that should foster greater openness about their thinking. But the culture of discretion remains strong. Writer Paul Melly.