Erste Group CEO Andreas Treichl is comfortable that his Austrian bank represents a call option on prospects in central and eastern Europe.
Central & eastern Europe
Latest articles from Central & eastern Europe
Russia’s rich bring it all back home
February 14, 2011Russian wealth management clients are moving assets back onshore, as the country provides its richest citizens with tempting investment opportunities in their native land.
European stability issues grab market's attention
February 14, 2011With all eyes on the eurozone sovereign debt crisis, the success of two consecutive offerings would be critical in underpinning the European response. The market's reaction to the issues from the European Financial Stability Mechanism and European Financial Stability Facility was conclusive.
Top 75 Russian banks: State banks still dominate
January 31, 2011The state giants still dominate the banking landscape in Russia, with private-sector institutions having much smaller market shares. The system remains largely Russian-owned, but a number of foreign-owned banks have gained a foothold and are earning a decent profit.
Local markets await catalyst
January 31, 2011Efforts are under way to allow corporate issuers in Poland to benefit from deep local bond markets.
Fierce competition and weak foreign owners mean change for Poland's banks
January 31, 2011Polish banks navigated the financial crisis in relatively good health. But fierce competition and weak foreign owners both suggest further consolidation in a market that is still fragmented.
Poland seeks answers to the euro question
December 23, 2010Polish policy-makers appear to be pushing the prospects for euro adoption further into the future. But this still leaves the country's banks with a dilemma about how to respond to client demand for retail loans in foreign currencies. Writer Philip Alexander
Albania times Eurobond debut to perfection
December 23, 2010Despite its close proximity to crisis-hit Greece, Albania made its first foray into the Eurobond market last year. After agonising over when to issue the deal in such a volatile market, it would seem that the timing of the launch was just right. Writer Joanne Hart
Russia's pocket banks face tougher future
December 8, 2010The collapse of International Industrial Bank, one of Russia's largest privately owned banks, could signal a tougher climate for Russian institutions that focus on related-party lending. Writer Philip Alexander
Czechs fall back into favour
December 8, 2010The launch of a €2bn, 10-year bond in late summer has stirred international interest in the Czech Republic. Writer Joanne Hart