Formerly constricted by its traditional public sector mould, India's Bank of Baroda has reinvented itself with a branding overhaul and a forward-thinking realignment of its business model. Writer Brian Caplen

Demonstrating the merits of the co-operative structure, The Netherlands' Rabobank has performed stronger in the crisis than many commercial banks enticed by high-profit yet high-exposure investment banking practices. Writer Brian Caplen

The chairman of PrivatBank explains how the bank intends to ride out the downturn through its focus on increasing liquidity and improving the quality of its loan portfolio. Writer Brian Caplen

The merger of Itaú and Unibanco is not to be rushed, says Roberto Setubal, CEO of the new bank, who believes the two very different management styles will be dovetailed to create a highly productive organisation.

A set of good results from an international bank is all too rare an occurrence in the current financial climate but Standard Chartered showed it is possible by announcing last month that income rose by 26% and profits by 13% in 2008. Chief executive Peter Sands explains how it was done. Writer Brian Caplen

Global representatives from the banking sector at this year’s World Economic Forum took stock of the economic crisis and the perilous challenges which lie ahead. Writer Brian Caplen.

Credit cards are relatively new to Russia and take-up is still slow as cash remains the dominating payment method. Brian Caplen reports on progress.

Reliance on external markets for refinancing is one of the weaknesses in Russia’s banking system. Brian Caplen reports on this and other factors that are holding back the sector’s development.

Hector Sants, just about to complete his first year as chief executive of the UK’s Financial Services Authority, has proved his mettle during these times of great difficulty for regulators everywhere. Interview by Michael Imeson and Brian Caplen.