Total assets among Russia’s banks have posted robust growth in excess of 50% and there have been some structural improvements, but banks remain vulnerable to sudden changes in the health of the national economy and are looking decidedly over concentrated. Writer Stephen Timewell.
Central & eastern Europe
Latest articles from Central & eastern Europe
Building momentum
October 6, 2008New state funds and laws are allowing Russia’s ailing infrastructure to catch up with its fast-growing economy. The Banker hears from some of the key players in a $1000bn market. Writer Philip Alexander.
Pressing a home territory advantage
September 1, 2008Leading 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.
Kazakhstan Searches for pain relief
August 4, 2008When the credit crunch struck, Kazakhstan was first hit and worst hit among emerging markets. Philip Alexander looks for signs of recovery.
Nordic banks braced for Baltic slowdown
August 4, 2008As recessions loom in the Baltic states, Scandinavian banks have reason to be grateful for their reliable domestic earnings, reports Karina Robinson.
Slow on the cards
July 1, 2008Credit cards are relatively new to Russia and take-up is still slow as cash remains the dominating payment method. Brian Caplen reports on progress.
Big strides fail to resolve inherent weaknesses
July 1, 2008Reliance on external markets for refinancing is one of the weaknesses in Russia’s banking system. Brian Caplen reports on this and other factors that are holding back the sector’s development.
Signs point to bright future
July 1, 2008Three elections in two years and an inflation overshoot are compounding the uncertainty for Serbia’s banks, but foreign players still see great potential. Nick Saywell reports from Belgrade.
Investors wowed by Georgian bond issue
June 2, 2008Edward Russell-Walling reports on how Georgia’s first ever issue on the international bond market was a resounding success.
Peripheral but a pool of potential
June 2, 2008Banks have made little impact on the Hungarian economy. Is that what is keeping US players interested in the market? Nick Kochan reports.