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.

Often overlooked by investors attracted to flashier plays, Oman has excellent prospects ­for those willing to make the effort. Writer Jon Marks.

In an increasingly competitive Gulf environment, the need for credible but user-friendly regulation is paramount. Writer Paul Melly.

The UAE’s banks’ profits based on lending are huge but with customer deposit levels lagging and international borrowing increasingly difficult, many are looking towards expansion opportunities abroad. Writer Mark Ford.

Healthy oil revenues mean the Gulf Co-operation Council countries are enjoying an ongoing boom and even concerns over inflation cannot shake the optimism surrounding the region. Writer Stephen Timewell.

President Hugo Chávez’s decision to nationalise Banco de Venezuela has come at a time when government-bank relations are uneasy following a Ministry of Finance crackdown on foreign exchange controls. Writer Jane Monahan.

Banks in Indonesia are looking to commodity plays as inflation hinders growth in the region. Writer Simon Montlake in Jakarta.

Leading European and US consumer finance players have expanded aggressively in central and eastern Europe, but they face a strong local competitor in the shape of PPF Group. Writer Philip Alexander.

Understanding UK bank strategies can be difficult. The past year has seen not only Royal Bank of Scotland’s joint acquisition of the Netherlands’ giant ABN AMRO but also the disastrous run on Northern Rock, record 2007 profits at HSBC Holdings and, last month, RBS’s first half-year loss in 40 years, following $11.4bn in writedowns.