In May, The Banker examined the fate of Kazakhstan's fallen giant, Bank BTA. The Kazakh banks that have stayed solvent now explain their recovery strategies. Writer Philip Alexander

Heavy losses on equity portfolios and widening funding deficits are forcing a rethink of pension funds' approach, but trustees need to be equipped to manage derivatives exposure, writes Philip Alexander.

Issuer defaults and high exposure to falling Gulf real estate markets have cast doubt over the stability of Islamic capital markets, but a difficult year could help create a more established asset class in the future. Writer Philip Alexander

The importance of small regional development banks in emerging Europe has surged as credit ratings decline and global commercial banks cut back project and trade finance. Writer Philip Alexander

Like their investment banking counterparts, private bankers are also facing an identity crisis as the failure to protect clients' wealth threatens to tarnish the industry and inhibit future growth. There are many different responses. Writer Philip Alexander

Investment banking losses and US tax evasion charges sent clients of the leading wealth manager scurrying for the exits. But the crisis has renewed UBS's determination to succeed in private banking. Writer Philip Alexander

Mike Bussey, CEO of Arbuthnot Latham The rise of counterparty risk and volatility have fundamentally changed the attitudes of high-net-worth investors towards structured products, but most private bankers believe they still have a role to play in a well-managed portfolio. Writer Philip Alexander

Few markets in central and eastern Europe have escaped investor fears over excessive corporate debt. Equity offerings are on hold and refinancing conditions have rarely been tougher, but there are opportunities for banks that stay in the game, writes Philip Alexander.

The share prices of leading Italian banks were buffeted in early 2009 as investors anticipated damage to asset quality from their high exposure to emerging Europe. But senior managers say the region is still at the heart of their strategy, writes Philip Alexander.