Russian central bank governor Sergei Ignatiev's decision not to intervene when the country's currency came under pressure earlier this year has been welcomed by economists as a sign that the country's commitment to a more open economy is genuine. The governor explains to The Banker that such a policy is part of his long-term plan for the country.
Central & eastern Europe
Latest articles from Central & eastern Europe
Are CEE bank foreign ownership risks exaggerated?
November 8, 2011Banking sectors in central and eastern Europe have some of the highest foreign ownership rates in the world, but risks from eurozone parents could be curtailed by deleveraging since 2008.
Isbank chief builds solid foundations for tougher times
November 1, 2011Turkey’s largest bank, Isbank, enjoyed return on equity of almost 20% in 2010, but new chief executive Adnan Bali is preparing for any fallout from the eurozone crisis and tightening margins in the competitive domestic market.
Profit slide brings changing landscape in Azerbaijan
November 1, 2011Many of Azerbaijan's banks were hit by economic slowdown and falling real estate valuations in 2010, and there are signs that a significant shake-up of the sector is beginning.
Russian joint venture pays off for Sibur and SolVin
November 1, 2011Sibur and SolVin's highly innovative joint venture to build a PVC plant in Russia was unusual in many ways, not least because of its lack of an offtake scheme in such a risk-averse environment. However, the four-year wait for the deal to come to fruition is paying off for the many players involved.
Slovenia's banking sector stutters on
November 1, 2011Slovenia was one of the worst hit by the eurozone crisis and its banks have struggled to recover with high non-performing loan ratios and low returns on equity. They are however punching above their weight in capital terms in The Banker’s rankings. Writer Nick Saywell
Lithuanian president Dalia Grybauskaite on the future of the euro
November 1, 2011Lithuania's president, Dalia Grybauskaite, tells The Banker of the importance for governments to balance their books, her prediction on the future of the euro and her country's commitment to common, coordinated governance with its partners and neighbours.
EU divided over scope of derivatives regulation
October 3, 2011The European Market Infrastructure Regulation is designed to bring some much-needed stability to the over-the-counter derivatives market, but disagreements about exactly what it is should cover are slowing its progress. It is looking increasingly unlikely that the EU will not meet the G-20 deadline.
New players capitalise on large bank woes in Kazakhstan
October 3, 2011A deluge of non-performing loans and deleveraging paint a bleak picture of Kazakhstan’s banking sector. But it is against this backdrop that smaller, second-tier banks, which follow much less aggressive strategies and are therefore in much healthier positions, can excel.
Is CRD4 too far, too soon for a fragile Europe?
September 1, 2011The European Commission has finalised its proposal on the fourth iteration of the Capital Requirements Directive. It makes the EU the first jurisdiction to pass into law the Basel III rules agreed last year. Many are worried about the impact it may have while European economies remain fragile.