Unlisted French financial institutions have demonstrated the merits of their conservative strategies, which have made them more resilient than their listed competitors in the face of market pressure. Karina Robinson reports.

Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena’s audacious €9bn purchase of Banca Antonveneta last November required some serious work to raise the necessary financing. Edward Russell-Walling reports on how the group’s efforts ended up breaking the Italian record for capital raised.

As recessions loom in the Baltic states, Scandinavian banks have reason to be grateful for their reliable domestic earnings, reports Karina Robinson.

Vienna Stock Exchange’s strategy is raising its profile internationally as it develops indices and a data distribution network, Geraldine Lambe reports.

An investigation into the credit default swaps market is adding to the Icelandic banking system’s woes, but banks’ soundness and international reach should help them once the storm is over, writes Silvia Pavoni.

Millennium BCP exceeded expectations with a $1.3bn rights issue in April despite a cooling market and tough regulation, writes Edward Russell-Walling.

Santander CEO Alfredo Sáenz tells Karina Robinson that while M&As are there for the taking, it is imperative not to act hastily in the troubled market.

Spain’s savings banks are feeling the pinch of a slowing economy combined with the liability of their huge mortgage portfolios. Rodrigo Amaral reports.

As market uncertainty continues, banks need to know how to respond to the economic cycle, writes José María Roldán.

The UK faster payments initiative is expected to revolutionise the way consumers and companies do business, and yet it was launched in May with little fanfare. Charlie Corbett explores the impact of the new system and why the trumpets were muted.