US acceptance of International Financial Reporting Standards is a breakthrough, but UK bankers foresee a discrepancy between rules-based and principles-based systems, writes Michael Imeson.

BNP Paribas has been expanding its businesses globally, both through acquisition and organic growth, and the previously predominant French operations are slowly but surely decreasing in significance. In an interview with Brian Caplen, CEO Baudouin Prot says that the anchor to all the bank’s business remains its retail base.

The flotation of DP World last year may prove to be a landmark deal for the emerging markets. Edward Russell-Walling reports on how Deutsche Bank handled the largest ever Middle Eastern IPO.

David Lane traces Italy's journey to the fore in European banking.

A string of problems would result if the UK government decides to take the nationalisation route to digging the troubled bank out of trouble.

The three-way acquisition of ABN AMRO by RBS, Santander and Fortis proved a remarkable collaborative effort, as Fortis CEO Jean-Paul Votron tells Geraldine Lambe.

Peer Steinbrück, Germany’s finance minister, defends his country’s positions – and cannot resist a dig at the UK leadership. Interview by Karina Robinson.

Credit Suisse fared well during the subprime crisis. Brian Caplen asks CEO Brady Dougan what underlies the bank’s new stability and what it is planning for the year ahead.

After Barclays failed to gain control of ABN AMRO, president Bob Diamond focuses on the positive elements of the bank’s position. Interview by Brian Caplen.

Despite international embargoes that restrict their operations, Northern Cyprus banks are making preparations in the hope that eventually they will be included in the EU. Nick Kochan reports.