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.

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.

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.

Despite the subprime crisis affecting many areas of Brazil’s capital markets, commodity prices continue to boom, foreign investment remains strong and an investment grade rating is imminent, says Brian Caplen.

Improved education and better living standards mean employees are returning to India, transforming the country’s outsourced financial services. Brian Caplen reports on how the industry has adapted.

Kosit Panpiemras, Thailand’s deputy prime minister, tells Brian Caplen that trade and investment policies must be transformed to achieve greater integration into Asean.

European Central Bank governor Jean-Claude Trichet talks to Brian Caplen in Davos about the present crisis, the dangers of opacity and what Europe and the US have in common.

Brian Caplen takes the temperature of the banking community at the World Economic Forum annual meeting in Davos – and finds few optimists among the frowns.

BNP Paribas has been expanding its businesses globally, both through acquisition and organic growth, and the previously predominant French operations are slowly but surely decreasing in significance. In an interview with Brian Caplen, CEO Baudouin Prot says that the anchor to all the bank’s business remains its retail base.

After Barclays failed to gain control of ABN AMRO, president Bob Diamond focuses on the positive elements of the bank’s position. Interview by Brian Caplen.