An ambitious privatisation programme could revitalise the Bucharest Stock Exchange, but there are still many hurdles in place preventing a boost in activity.

Although not directly affected by the squeeze facing eurozone peripheral sovereigns and banks, central and eastern Europe is affected by its economic ties with the EU and the prevalence of western European banks in its markets. Philip Alexander hears from a range of European issuers outside the eurozone, including sovereigns, agencies, banks and corporates, on how the crisis has affected them.

Levels of foreign ownership vary widely among the banks of the eastern Black Sea countries. While foreign-owned banks went too far, too fast before the crisis, they may be more resilient than locally owned players in a downturn.

Staff expenses are the largest single component of most banks' operating expenses and provide a good indication of the efficiency of each bank's business model. The Banker has tracked down the countries with the lowest and highest staff costs to discover where the most and least productive bankers are based.

Banks in sub-Saharan Africa are enjoying high levels of net interest income, but this can be a sign of elevated inflation or credit risk.

The growing number of EU institutions intervening on the drafting of Europe’s vital new liquidity requirements is piling uncertainties on banks and capital markets.

When China and Japan are taken out of the equation, Bangladeshi banks show highest return on assets in Asia-Pacific.

African banks generate a high proportion of fee and commission income from their assets, but this could reflect a shortage of quality lending opportunities.