The leading Greek banks had retained relatively conservative business models at home prior to the financial crisis, but market fears about government debt make the downturn even harder to manage. Writer Philip Alexander

Growing demand: two women open sharia bank accounts at Bank Negara Indonesia

Leading Islamic retail banks are developing increasingly sophisticated systems to maintain sharia compliance in an evolving market. Writer Philip Alexander

As the central bank of Russia tightens capital requirements, the country's Top 50 banks look set to continue accumulating capital and assets at the expense of smaller players. Writer Philip Alexander

Contingent convertible (CoCo) bonds seem to be flavour of the month with regulators, but issuers and investors alike may need some convincing. Writer Philip Alexander

The economic advisor to the Russian president explains why he is cautiously optimistic about the country's economic prospects for 2010. Interview by Philip Alexander.

The successful debt restructuring by Ukraine's gas importer has eased short-term difficulties and offered hope for better government and corporate financial management in the future. However, the country's track record of disappointment in such matters still hangs heavy. Writer Philip Alexander

The US and European governments have so far managed to maintain investor appetite for greatly increased issuance of public debt. But decisive action will be needed to avoid paying a high price in the near future.