Political stability, economic growth, foreign investment, oil wealth, a growing middle class; there are many reasons why Nigeria’s banks have amassed large capital bases. As Charlie Corbett reports, the dilemma now is how to use it.

Over the past decade, the word ‘potential’ has become synonymous with Nigeria, as the resource-rich nation’s progress has been stymied by political and economic instability. Much progress has been made on both fronts, and under new president Umaru Yar’Adua Nigeria looks set to deliver on its promise. Charlie Corbett reports.

A new law in Australia to make it easier to change banks will disadvantage the main players and encourage switching for switching’s sake, writes Michael Imeson.

A stable economy and growing middle class is attracting international banks to Zambia. However, the greatest reward will come to whoever taps into the country’s 10 million unbanked inhabitants. Gill Baker reports.

Islamic sharia law is emerging as an alternative means of dispute resolution for business and commerce in the secular world, writes Mufti Barkatulla.

As the Islamic finance sector becomes more competitive, innovation will be a key differentiator for attracting customers, writes Joe DiVanna.

The UK budget for 2008 announced measures to promote competitiveness with the increasingly attractive Islamic finance sector, paving the way towards sukuk issuance, writes Stephen Timewell.

Saudi banks performed less well last year than in 2006 and bankers are adjusting to the lower, more sustainable growth levels, but they have every reason to remain bullish, writes Stephen Timewell.

Sheikh Hamad Al-Sayari, governor of the Saudi Arabia Monetary Agency, talks to Stephen Timewell about banking challenges, rising inflation, and planned currency union with the GCC states.

A boom in non-oil wealth looks set to accompany the continuing oil boom as huge projects get under way and economic reform continues, writes Stephen Timewell.