Latest articles from Central & eastern Europe

Cars drive moves into Russian loan sector

October 1, 2007

Ben Aris reports from Moscow on the new trend of carmakers setting up shop with banking licences in Russia to take advantage of the accelerating growth in the auto loans market.

Vodka and banking, the perfect cocktail

October 1, 2007

Roustam Tariko, owner and founder of Russian Standard Bank (and Vodka), tells Karina Robinson of plans to tailor his banking model to current realities.

Bumper yields in SE Europe

October 1, 2007

South-east Europe (SEE) is one of Europe’s fastest-growing and most profitable banking regions and looks set for continued strong growth.

Bridge building in the Balkans

September 3, 2007

Société Générale has added to its Balkan synergies with the purchase of Macedonia’s Ohridska Banka – but local banks are efficient and profits are by no means a certainty. Eric Jansson reports.

The quiet success story

September 3, 2007

Under the oversight of the central bank, Armenia has boomed and now foreign banks are circling for a piece of the action. Ben Aris reports.

Russia’s urgent need for more red tape

September 3, 2007

Reg Rage often criticises regulation, but where Russia’s concerned, more is needed – and quickly. The country’s banking sector is undergoing regulatory reform, but too slowly, writes Michael Imeson.

CZARs chew over coming clean

September 3, 2007

While some eastern European mega companies are improving corporate governance and listing abroad, others are moving back closer to the state. Ben Aris explains.

Pole positions for Polish and Hungarian leaders

September 3, 2007

Our listing reveals that retail continues to drive banking sector growth, while low household credit levels remain enticing to western European institutions.

Russia: slow progress

August 1, 2007

When it comes to big statements and declarations of intention, Russia might come across as more vocal in inviting the private sector into its infrastructure and strategic sectors, while still maintaining control of the most important assets.

The next stop for investment in public private partnerships

August 1, 2007

Bankers are looking at the BRIC countries to expand their business and to boost public private partnership portfolios. Which are the most appealing locations? Silvia Pavoni, John Rumsey, Ben Aris and Kala Rao report on the state of PPP development in Brazil, Russia, China and India .

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