To the Balkans and Beyond

Over the past decade, Greece's leading banks have expanded into south-east Europe. To remain competitive, however, they will now need to weather the financial storm and continue to focus on increasing their presence in the Balkans and the rest of eastern Europe. Writer Kerin Hope

Greece gears up for tough times

Greece's service-based economy has been less exposed to the global downturn than elsewhere in Europe, but a positive outlook for 2009 will largely depend on how the tourist industry performs and whether lines of credit will remain available to smaller businesses. Writer Kerin Hope

Exchange builds regional reach

Bourse operator Hellenic Exchanges has cut trading fees on the Athens exchange and is developing links with other exchanges in the region in its bid for a competitive edge. By Kerin Hope.

Banks jostle for position

Greek bankers are confident that the credit sector will continue to expand as the country catches up with its European partners. Kerin Hope reports on developments in a still underbanked country.

Ahead of the game

The Greek economy is beating expectations, sweeping away fears of a post-Olympics slowdown. Kerin Hope reports on a boom in the shipping industry, the trend in infrastructure improvements and banks’ survival strategies.

Deal augurs new era for Greeks in Turkey

The deal struck between National Bank of Greece to buy Turkey’s Finansbank is likely to be the first in a line of cross-border acquisitions. Kerin Hope reports.

Albania’s slow awakening

As the economy continues to expand, foreign banks are gradually moving into Albania, with growth in lending and consolidation. Kerin Hope reports.

Another step into Serbia

Serbia’s decision to focus on selling banks is drawing Greek institutions into the country, despite continuing political risk. Kerin Hope reports.

Lending boom slows in post-Olympic lull

The pace of retail lending – boosted by entry to the eurozone and the Athens Olympics – is slowing down. Kerin Hope reports from Athens.

Everything to play for

Greece’s newly elected conservative government has pledged to boost growth and reduce unemployment. However, Prime Minister Costas Karamanlis has more pressing issues to contend with first – namely, to ensure the success of this year’s Olympic games. Kerin Hope reports from Athens.

Growing ambitions

Greek banks have expanded their presence in south east Europe in the expectation of boosting their market share, writes Kerin Hope.

Better in than out

Kerin Hope reports on how Greece’s banking sector is preparing for entry into the euro-zone.