After influential campaigns, investor pressure and research pointing to higher returns by more gender-balanced firms, why are banks still male? Silvia Pavoni investigates.

Having emerged from bailout and recession, Portugal's banks are gearing up to contend with digitalisation, further regulation and tougher competition in a still-crowded market. Most of them are relying on decent levels of growth, capitalisation and provision for bad loans to see them through, as Peter Wise reports. 

Carlos da Silva Costa, Portugal’s central bank governor, talks to Peter Wise about the country’s priorities, which include further reduction of bad loans and improving profitability, while tackling forthcoming challenges such as an ageing population.

Portugal’s left-wing government has not only surprised observers with its stability and popularity, the coalition some called a geringonça, or contraption, has overseen the country’s move from bailout recipient to credit rating star. But, as Peter Wise reports, there is still work to be done.

Portugal's finance minister, Mário Centeno, believes his election as president of the EU’s Eurogroup reflects the country’s efforts to achieve economic recovery, and proves anti-austerity policies can be compatible with EU fiscal rules. Peter Wise reports.

As Italy faces yet another change of government, outgoing finance minister Pier Carlo Padoan is optimistic that the country is resilient enough to sustain growth and increase productivity in the coming years. He talked to Silvia Pavoni at the G20 meeting in Argentina. 

The Nordic countries’ currencies are renowned for stability and low risk, but concerns are surfacing around the currencies of Norway and Sweden, nicknamed the 'nokkie' and the 'stocky'. Joy Macknight reports.

With a track record of regular growth, the Nordic property sector presents an attractive destination for investors. High quality assets and political stability suggest that the environment will remain a good risk for the foreseeable future. Sverrir Thór, the editor, economics and finance, Fastighetsnytt, reports.