High valuations, rising equity issuance and plentiful financing in a growing variety of formats all point to Istanbul making progress toward its goal of becoming an international financial centre.

Danish banks are coming under increasing pressure to consolidate their fragmented sector. But debate rages over whether bigger really is better, and the jury is still out on the advisability of merging in unsettled times.

The Swedish economy has bounced back well from the crisis, with banks among the main beneficiaries. Leading bankers at three of the country's biggest banks - Nordea, Swedbank and Handelsbanken - explain how they have achieved such impressive results. 

The German structured products market is growing steadily again and providers are involved in an intense battle for market share.

European sovereigns, supranationals and agencies supply is running at high levels, and with the market environment far from ideal, issuers are having to broaden their investor base. Placement with Asian accounts is critical to the success of many deals.

The UK's tough liquidity rules stand in the way of global management and are expensive and time-consuming to comply with, say bankers. The bad news is that other jurisdictions are likely to adopt them. 

Turkey’s central bank is attempting an unusual combination of tightening monetary policy using reserve requirements, while combating speculative inflows through interest rate cuts. But the outcome remains uncertain.

The effects of the international economic bailout of Portugal will be felt through the country, but some see the measures as an opportunity for the country to emerge as a more competitive, export-friendly entity.