Peter Wise charts the rise of the Portuguese banking sector since it was opened up to foreign competition.

Portugal’s new prime minister is keen to create growth and investment, and wants the country to copy the direction already taken by its banking sector. Peter Wise explains.

Banco Popular’s competitors may be gaining ground but the bank is still an attractive acquisition target. Chairman Angel Ron talks to Karina Robinson about strategies for SME and consumer finance business and why he is betting on staying independent.

Turkey’s economy is surging ahead of tough membership negotiations with the EU, but debt problems persist. The Erdogan government has much work to do, reports Metin Demirsar from Istanbul.

EU convergence and a strong economy are attracting foreign banks, reports Michael Kuser in Istanbul.

Turkey is seeking to draw more foreign investment with EU membership talks on the horizon and improved economic fundamentals.

Turkey’s banking system recorded strong growth in 2004 but systematic weaknesses continue. The country’s 48 banks are having to learn to cope with a low inflation environment.

Turkey is pushing ahead with privatisation of its overstaffed, money-losing state enterprises in the run up to EU membership.

A decade in the making, Turkey’s derivatives exchange aims to reduce risk in foreign currency, commodities and share trading. 

OYAK’s chief executive Coskun Ulusoy explains the secret of the pension fund’s success to Michael Kuser in Istanbul.