Captains of industry or oligarchs? Many of Ukraine’s billionaires rub shoulders with politicians and some even taken up office themselves. Ben Aris reports on how the political tides are buffeting the country’s richest men and how they made their fortunes.

The departure of a leading reformer has left question marks over further good governance progress and is adding uncertainty to the chaotic preparations for Nigeria’s presidential elections next year. James Eedes writes.

The oil price boom is fuelling a major investment spree abroad by the Gulf’s banks, companies and individuals, writes Jon Marks.

International banks are being drawn into the Gulf by a sea of liquidity, with huge opportunities awaiting them provided they physically base themselves in the region, writes Jon Marks.

Egypt is lining up its state-owned banks at the privatisation starting block. Nick Kochan reports on the prospects.

Nick Kochan explains how contingency planning allowed The Bank of New York Beirut office to remain operational as Israeli bombs fell on Lebanon’s capital.

Turkey’s young population is driving the skyrocketing demand for housing. Metin Demirsar reports on the projects that offer opportunities for investors.

An economic slowdown has dampened Turkey’s housing boom. But construction in the commercial sector remains brisk and there is still wide scope for the development of real estate finance. Metin Demirsar reports.

After six years of bitter legal wrangling over who was to blame for the downfall of the once mighty IPB bank, Nomura Securities and the Czech government may be about to bury the hatchet. Robert Anderson recounts the acrimonious tale.

Prime Minister Matti Vanhanen hopes Finland’s EU presidency will allow the technology-savvy nation to spearhead important changes in the way Europe approaches science and innovation.