Bulgarian lenders bucked the trend as Tier 1 capital contracted in most of central and eastern Europe, while Czech institutions retained their status as most profitable banks in the region.
Central & Eastern Europe
Latest articles from Bulgaria
Crisis in Greece: the credit impact on south-eastern Europe
July 13, 2015The turmoil in Greece is having an impact on financial markets throughout the eurozone, but this impact may be felt greater in its five neighbours where Greek banks have a particularly large presence: Albania, Bulgaria, Macedonia, Romania and Serbia.
Austrian banks’ profits in CEE hit all-time low
May 22, 2015For years, Austrian lenders Erste Bank and Raiffeisen Bank have enjoyed strong profits at their central and eastern European operations, but with growth in these economies slowing, more recent results suggest that they may need to rethink their strategies in the region.

Top 100 CEE EU banks ranking: Poland and Czech Republic hold sway
April 30, 2015Central and eastern European banks in the EU faced a sluggish 2013, but Poland led the region in terms of growth and the Czech Republic in terms of returns. Baltic banks are also starting to rise to the challenge.

Bulgaria's outgoing finance minister rallies for reform
September 1, 2014Petar Chobanov spent little more than a year as Bulgaria's finance minister before the government resigned and he had to step down from his post. He describes the reforms that he started during his tenure and explains why it is important for the new government to continue this work.

Crisis leaves Bulgaria's banks in limbo
September 1, 2014Bulgaria’s recent banking crisis and the resignation of its government have left its financial sector in a state of limbo awaiting elections in October.

Tough road ahead for Bulgaria's banks
May 1, 2013The Bulgarian banking sector has not needed government assistance in the wake of the financial crisis, but its slow growth rates and high non-performing loans do not make an inspiring combination.
Rebuilding the Greek banking scene
January 3, 2013A series of mergers will change the shape of the Greek banking sector, with three dominant players pulling away from the pack.

Bulgaria and Romania defy Eurozone woes
July 27, 2010Greek banks control at least a fifth of the banking markets in Bulgaria and Romania but, despite this exposure to one of Europe's more troubled economies, bankers in the two countries believe there will still be a sufficient supply of credit to meet demand. Writer Philip Alexander
Long-term finance in troubled times
June 3, 2009The importance of small regional development banks in emerging Europe has surged as credit ratings decline and global commercial banks cut back project and trade finance. Writer Philip Alexander