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.

Private equity investment in central and eastern Europe could be set to increase as investors look to capture the region’s potential as its economies return to growth. 

Central 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.

Romania's minister of economy, Constantin Niţă, talks about the country's economic outlook, the impact of EU membership and the challenges posed by the crisis between neighbouring Ukraine and Russia.

The governor of Romania's central bank explains why being part of the European banking union makes sense for the country, even if it is not yet ready to join up to the single currency regime.

The previously bleak economic picture in Romania is improving, and with it the performance of the country's banks. But high non-performing loan ratios, underdeveloped financial markets and a slump in the credit market are making it difficult for the country's lenders to pick up much momentum.

Despite anxieties in the market over events in Ukraine, a Romanian bond issue was so successful it helped reprice the sovereign yield curve and prompted ratings upgrades.

The ousted chief of Warsaw Stock Exchange, Ludwik Sobolewski, has come in from the cold in his new role as head of the rival Bucharest bourse and is already making his presence felt.