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.

The left-wing coalition government of Portuguese prime minister António Costa has silenced critics with what has so far been an effective financial policy. Now it must convince the ratings agencies and Portugal’s international creditors. Peter Wise reports.

Once one of the standard bearers for the travails of the eurozone, Portugal appears to be in the early stages of a recovery, one in which its revitalised banks are playing a leading role – albeit heavily backed by foreign investment. Peter Wise reports.

The chief executive of Portugal’s Novo Banco, António Ramalho, tells Peter Wise why 2017 will be the final year in its search for a controlling shareholder, and how he is easing the burden of non-performing loans.

The former head of Banco Espírito Santo’s investment arm, José Maria Ricciardi, talks to Stefania Palma about the parent bank’s turbulent last days and how he hopes to exploit its established European network in his new position as the chief executive of Haitong Bank.

Portugal's economy has endured a torrid few years and this has been reflected in its activity in the capital markets. However, the past 12 months have seen reasons for optimism, with the benchmark 10-year debt yield dropping significantly from an all-time high in 2012 and economists cautiously welcoming the new government's financial policies.

After years of unprofitability, the Portuguese banking sector is finally getting back on its feet. But, with the sale of Novo Banco by the Bank of Portugal still outstanding and other lenders vulnerable to takeover, the sector may not be out of the woods yet.