Ben Aris considers the Russian government’s latest move to end the country’s dependence on oil revenue.

Russia’s economy is buoyant but there remain many improvements to be made to the banking system.

Russia’s state-owned retail giant Sberbank issued its first Eurobond last month. The bank is the first to cash in on ratings agency Moody’s surprise decision to award a two-notch upgrade to the sovereign rating – taking Russia into investment grade territory.

Competition is heating up among Russia’s banks and foreign players for a slice of the growing retail banking and mortgage lending markets that are catering for the new middle class. Anthony Robinson reports from Moscow.

Foreign-owned bank expansion and strong economics are fuelling
the growth trend. Alice Brand reports.