Russia’s most European city is attracting more investment, through its trade links, port facilities and range of successful industries, writes Jules Stewart.

Although there is talk of Rusal floating, its finance chief Vladislav Soloviev tells Edward Russell-Walling the aluminium giant does not need to tap the capital markets just yet.

Russia is beginning to tackle more fundamental problems with its economy. With advice from Germany’s KfW, it is boosting its banking system. Ben Aris reports from Moscow.

Investors cannot wait for the expected wave of IPOs among Russia’s top-end banks in 2007. Ben Aris profiles four dynamic players flirting with flotation.

The completion of the merger between Rosbank and 1stOVK bank has made Rosbank one of Russia’s top three privately owned retail banks. Rosbank chairman Alexander Popov talked to The Banker about his plans.

After setting up his own sales finance company in the Czech Republic and then travelling the world for eight years working for GE Capital, Petr Smida took up his post as Alfa Bank’s CEO two years ago. Here he gives his first extensive interview to The Banker.

Financial-industrial groups are making a comeback, but the banks they created are reducing risk by diversifying from related-party business. Meanwhile, the pure banks have also benefited from the economic upturn. Ben Aris reports from Moscow.

Efforts to overcome the turbulence of 2004 have resulted in a growing economy and a positive outlook.

Ben Aris reports from Moscow on the increasing trend of using structured products to cope with consolidation.

Futures and options trading in Russia is making a tentative comeback since its curtailment in the wake of the 1998 financial crisis. Ben Aris in Moscow reports.
There are few places in the world where the future is less certain than in Russia, but maturing valuations of Russian stocks means an increasing number of investors are willing to bet on it.