Kazakhstan’s sovereign wealth fund is in the process of extricating itself from banks it rescued during the crisis, but poor asset quality is posing a serious challenge to the new owners.
Latest articles from Nick Kochan
Guinea looks to meet challenges of modernisation
October 1, 2013Guinea's austerity measures have not proven popular with the country's army and civil service, but have impressed the IMF and other international observers. Its president and finance minister explain the challenges they have met in rebuilding the newly democratic country, and how they intend to turn it into a resource-based African powerhouse.
EFG hopes to rise from Greek ashes
November 1, 2012The sale of both its Greek subsidiary and its financial products division is intended to leave the family-owned EFG Group as a pure private banking operation.
Treasure seekers
May 5, 2010Côte d'Ivoire's huge unbanked population makes the country an attractive target for both local and foreign banks. With the west African nation's banking sector on the verge of a consolidation process, those left standing will be well placed to tap into this enormous potential. Writer Nick Kochan
BCEAO works to recapitalise region's banks
May 5, 2010The governor of the Banque Centrale des États de l'Afrique de l'Ouest, Philippe-Henri Dacoury-Tabley, outlines his monetary policy to increase capital and maintain stable inflation levels. Writer Nick Kochan
Côte d'Ivoire's reforms make headway
May 5, 2010Côte d'Ivoire's minister for economy and finance, Charles Koffi Diby, has effectively steered the country through the global credit crisis and, as he tells The Banker, his reform policies are beginning to bear fruit. Writer Nick Kochan
The elephant stirs
May 5, 2010The optimism over Côte d'Ivoire's economic prospects is well placed. Despite continued political instability, inflation is being kept in check, the economy is growing and the restructuring of the country's debt has been widely praised. Writer Nick Kochan
A thoroughly modern exchange
May 5, 2010Although the Bourse Regionale des Valeurs Mobilieres may only boast a limited number of quoted companies at present, it is fully up to date with the latest technology and legislation, which is likely to attract growing interest going forward. Writer Nick Kochan
Putting on a brave face
May 5, 2009A fall in the exchange rate has caused problems for borrowers in foreign currency. But moderate loan-to-value ratios and high levels of capital should see the banks through. Writer Nick Kochan
Outside influence
May 5, 2009The state-owned Banque et Caisse d'Epargne de l'Etat may be performing well, but Luxembourg operations of Fortis and Dexia have encountered problems as the knock-on effect of the recession in powerful neighbouring economies takes its toll on one of the world's smallest countries. Writer Nick Kochan