Mugur Isarescu, governor of the National Bank of Romania, talks to Nick Kochan about boosting exports and bringing down levels of non-performing loans.
Central & eastern Europe
Latest articles from Central & eastern Europe
The Top 50 Russian Banks 2018: a diminishing force?
February 1, 2018Financial difficulties at some of Russia’s largest institutions and a contracting banking sector have led The Banker to shorten its ranking of the country's banks from 100 to 50. However, there have been some positive developments, such as an increase in capitalisation. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
Czech National Bank governor looks to a stable 2018
February 1, 2018Having lifted the exchange rate cap on the koruna after more than three years in 2017, the governor of the Czech National Bank talks to Stefanie Linhardt about his expectations for the year ahead.
A job part finished: why Ukraine's banking sector needs faster reform
February 1, 2018Ukraine’s banking sector is often celebrated as the section of the country’s economy that has seen the most effective reforms. Yet the past 12 months have highlighted just how much work remains to be done. Stefanie Linhardt reports.
A ‘twin peaks’ vision for Europe
January 29, 2018A two-pronged approach to financial oversight will be vital for the EU after the UK finally leaves, write Dirk Schoenmaker and Nicolas Véron of Brussels-based economic policy think tank Bruegel.
Ewald Nowotny: the renaissance of central European banking
January 2, 2018Austrian banks were early movers into central, eastern and south-eastern Europe. But the traditional Austrian-based parent companies with regional subsidiaries have transformed into modern, integrated entities that bring together staff and technology from across the region, to the benefit of all, says Österreichische Nationalbank governor Ewald Nowotny.
Baltics take first step towards regional capital market
January 2, 2018Recognising there is strength in numbers, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania are joining together to created a pan-Baltic capital market, with covered bonds the first product planned. Michael Turner reports.
Top 100 CIS Banks ranking: a partial comeback
December 1, 2017Putting currency instability and low oil prices behind them, banks in the Commonwealth of Independent States had a healthier year in 2016. Andrew MacDowall reports.
Belarus inches toward economic recovery
November 1, 2017Belarus is gradually coming out of recession though its public sector reforms are too slow for some. This, combined with high dollarisation, could restrict its growth, writes Stefanie Linhardt.
Belarus banks teeter on the brink of change
November 1, 2017High NPL levels, an economy in need of de-dollarisation and the prominence of state-owned institutions are behind moves to consolidate and improve Belarus's banking sector. However, as Stefanie Linhardt reports, the pace of change is not as fast as some had hoped.