Austrian banks and companies have been looking to central and eastern Europe for growth – a successful strategy that will continue, reports Geraldine Lambe.

The economy of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg relies heavily on its financial sector, as it contributed approximately 30% of gross domestic product in the last fiscal year.

A legal framework incorporating the best international practices of investor protection should pave the way for the success of Portuguese covered bonds.

Despite an optimistic outlook on the banking sector in Turkey, political dilemmas and the global economic environment weigh heavy on the country. Stephen Timewell reports from Istanbul.

Traditionally a low-risk area, the European covered bond market is now a much more volatile place. Philip Alexander explains how Portugal fits into the wider European picture.

Conservatism, strong deposit bases and past consolidation bode well for Finland’s banks in the global credit squeeze, writes Robert Anderson.

By covering the whole value chain through an integrated business model, exchanges can benefit all of their customer groups from issuers to private investors, says Rainer Riess of Deutsche Börse.

Italy’s leading light in eastern Europe, UniCredit has ambitious plans after buying into one of the region’s most dynamic markets with its purchase of Ukraine’s Ukrsotsbank, writes Philip Alexander.

Luxembourg’s profile as an international finance centre has seen significant growth in recent years, on the back of its increasing focus on international listings.

Peter Wise reports on the Portuguese firms that are making a name for themselves on the international stage.