Uncertainty in the Icelandic market has not perturbed Kaupthing Bank from pressing ahead with its expansion into Europe. Stephen Timewell reports.

While some countries are allowing a structured covered bond market to develop, others prefer to enact a covered bond law. Portugal has just passed legislation: will it experience a boom similar to its Iberian neighbour? Michael Marray reports.

Elements of the Danish labour market model could be highly relevant across Europe, says Nils Bernstein.

Karina Robinson questions Danske Bank CEO Peter Staarup on the Danish institution’s Irish forays.

German open-ended property funds are in crisis, yet Anglo-Saxon players are doing well in the country’s real estate investment market.
Jan Wagner reports.

Danish prime minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen defends his consensus-style of leadership to Karina Robinson.

Georges Pauget, CEO of Crédit Agricole, and Gilles de Margerie, the French bank’s CFO and head of strategy, speak to Brian Caplen and Nick Kochan about their designs for a more international and diversified group.

The final act of the Antonveneta/BPI drama began in March last year when ABN AMRO, Antonveneta’s biggest shareholder, informed the Bank of Italy that it intended to launch an offer for the Italian bank.

Under Antonio Fazio, Italy’s central bank seemed to have become an autocracy, with the now disgraced ex-governor its all-powerful boss. Governance will have to be a priority for the new governor, Mario Draghi. David Lane reports on the immense confidence rebuilding task ahead.
Italy’s reputation for institutional excellence is, to put it mildly, far from the country’s strong point. Italian corruption scandals are legendary for involving a wide range of participants from all walks of life: business, politics and public bodies.

Turkish banks are on the lookout for more funding to meet demand from the growing credit card, mortgage and commercial loan sectors. Michael Marray reports on the growth in both wrapped and unwrapped paper.