Latest articles from Andrew MacDowall

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Czech central bank governor prepares for interest rate hikes

June 11, 2021

Jiri Rusnok on a difficult past year and balancing the country’s obligation to join the eurozone with its traditionally eurosceptic politics.

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Can Cyprus's economy recover from the coronavirus crisis?

May 11, 2020

Can Cyprus keep its admirable record of bouncing back from yet another a crisis?

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Cyprus's banks enter coronavirus crisis in good shape

May 11, 2020

The silver cloud in 2013’s financial problems is that it forced Cypriot banks to reform, putting them in good shape to survive the coronavirus crisis.

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Swiss franc loans issue continues to plague Polish banks

January 2, 2020

The EU has ruled that Poland's courts will decide whether Swiss franc loans issued locally in 2004 to 2008 were ‘abusive’, leaving banks facing legal action and, potentially, huge losses. 

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The Banker's Top 100 Central and Eastern Europe EU ranking: Poland maintains dominance

April 1, 2019

It has been a good year for banks operating in EU member countries of central and eastern Europe, with balance sheets being strengthened across the board. 

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The Banker's Top 100 CIS Banks ranking: reaping the rewards of recovery

December 3, 2018

The Banker's latest rankings show Commonwealth of Independent States banks continuing to improve after 2015’s slump, with Kazakhstan leading the way. Andrew MacDowall reports.

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A Russian resolution: are the country's banks back on track?

November 1, 2018

Following crises, poor management and bailouts, is Russia's banking sector on the road to recovery?

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Top 100 CIS Banks ranking: a partial comeback

December 1, 2017

Putting currency instability and low oil prices behind them, banks in the Commonwealth of Independent States had a healthier year in 2016. Andrew MacDowall reports.

Currency depreciation hits CIS economies

December 1, 2016

Russia’s perilous economic and political situation spelled trouble in the Commonwealth of Independent States region, though there were promising signs in Uzbekistan and Ukraine.

Stable footing: Lithuanian banking is dominated by Scandinavian lenders such as Sweden’s Swedbank

Lithuania looks towards steadier growth

November 1, 2013

After a deep recession and housing bust in 2008 and a number of subsequent corporate governance crises, Lithuanian banks are finally returning to a steady footing, helped in no small measure by the presence of risk-averse Scandinavian lenders in the country.

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