The collapse in Spanish property prices and the rise in loan defaults and toxic assets has left the cajas - the 45 mutuals responsible for more than half of the country's mortgage lending - staring consolidation in the face in a bid for survival. Writer Jules Stewart
Western Europe
Latest articles from Western Europe
World
/ Western Europe
/ Spain
Bad times increase merger activity among Spain's cajas
September 2, 2009ING Bank looks forward after a shaky start
August 4, 2009Despite an adverse response from the bank's military depositors and a sharp recession in Turkey, ING Bank's CEO is planning for growth once the economy turns around. Writer Metin Demirsar
Rabobank's 'Rhineland' approach pays off
August 4, 2009Demonstrating the merits of the co-operative structure, The Netherlands' Rabobank has performed stronger in the crisis than many commercial banks enticed by high-profit yet high-exposure investment banking practices. Writer Brian Caplen
A reliable model for a risk-averse world
August 4, 2009Portugal's traditionally cautious approach to banking with a strong leaning towards public investment is being recognised by other countries as an effective, if temporary, approach during the current downturn. Writer Peter Wise
World
/ Western Europe
/ Malta
Tonio Fenech
July 7, 2009
Tonio Fenech, minister of finance, economy and investment of Malta
Malta has benefited from adopting the euro and its economy is doing better than many others in the eurozone, says its minister of finance, economy and investment, Tonio Fenech. Writer Michael Imeson
World
/ Western Europe
/ Malta
Lawrence Gonzi
July 7, 2009Dr Lawrence Gonzi, prime minister of Malta
Malta might be tiny but it is determined to make itself heard on the world stage. Dr Lawrence Gonzi, prime minister of Malta, explains how. Writer Michael Imeson