With a new presidential term for Vladimir Putin and crucial administrative reforms underway, Ben Aris considers the future shape of Russia’s over-banked financial system.

Matei Paun reports on the host of foreign banks hoping to cash in on Romania’s burgeoning finance sector.

India’s securities went from third to first world in record time. But is T+1 a step too far, asks Kala Rao.

A trade boom coupled with WTO aspirations are prompting a more open market, writes Nick J Freeman.

Mexico’s prospects look bright but, as Monica Campbell reports, politicians are resentful that the dominant – and prosperous – foreign banks are not doing enough to help the local population.

Luiz Fernando Furlan, Brazil’s minister of state for development, industry and foreign trade, tells Brian Caplen that his country’s approach to trade is positive.

Bermuda is relaxing its rules on foreign ownership of banks, witnessed by HSBC’s recent acquisition of Bank of Bermuda. Mairi Mallon reports on changing times.
Walking into one of the two main banks in Bermuda is like going back in time to England in the 1970s. The doorman knows many customers by name and long queues form every Friday as customers deposit their weekly pay cheques.

Stephen Timewell reports on how a major new financial centre, a strong regulatory environment and a plethora of projects are set to cement Bahrain’s reputation among its Gulf neighbours.
Brimming with confidence after its successful Formula 1 grand prix in early April, Bahrain is ambitious to project its long-established role as the Gulf’s premier financial and banking hub and capitalise on the booming economies in the region.

James Eedes finds that Nigeria’s finance minister is determined to put the country back on track.

Qatar is on the verge of becoming the richest country in the world in terms of GDP per capita as it sees the fruits of its investments in extraction of huge liquefied natural gas reserves. By Stephen Timewell in Doha.