Milan has always been a capital of style but it is now being recognised as Italy's financial centre. David Lane reports on the city's banking trends.

The fight to sell government euro bonds has never been fiercer. The French and Germans are battling it out for benchmark status while other eurozone countries are increasing liquidity and issuance size. Troubled equity markets make it all very attractive to investors.

All signs point to Allianz dismantling the once powerful Dresdner Bank, says Jan F Wagner in Frankfurt.

Six months after the launch of the euro, the finance markets of Paris are enjoying the success that it has brought. As Helena Frith Powell reports, the French capital has London firmly in its sights.

Henry Harington looks at the effect of September 11 on foreign banks in London, and finds many questioning their policy of maintaining all their operations under one roof.

Karina Robinson talks to Fred Goodwin, group chief executive, Royal Bank of Scotland.

Karina Robinson talks to the FSA’s Sir Howard Davies.

Kerin Hope reports on how Greece’s banking sector is preparing for entry into the euro-zone.

Turkey’s new regulatory body began operations last month with sweeping powers to oversee the troubled banking sector.

Italian banks reckon they are boosting efficiency and say politicians must now help by reducing the tax burden.