Andorran banks forced to look further afield

Traditionally reliant on neighbour Spain for their customer base, Andorra’s banks have been forced to reassess their strategies in light of the country’s – and the rest of Europe’s – economic malaise. Instead, they are targeting the Latin American market, as well as disillusioned clients of Swiss banks, attracted to a national banking sector renowned for its discretion and stability.

Andorra opens up

Under pressure from the international community, Andorra is trying to increase the transparency of its banking sector, while deficit-driven tax reforms could erode its tax haven status. Writer Rodrigo Amaral

Post-crisis reality bites for Spain's Cajas

Once considered one of the better-placed survivors of the financial crisis, the property bubble bursting in Spain has hit the country's savings banks hard, resulting in calls for consolidation in the sector. Writer Rodrigo Amaral

Spain's bright new hope

The state-owned Instituto de Crédito Oficial has risen to prominence as Spain's most promising credit provider. However, the country's government must ensure careful lending practices are followed so as not to overstretch the resource. Writer Rodrigo Amaral

Basic services but a booming industry

Angola’s retail banking network, while at an early stage of development, is growing fast along with an oil-driven economy. Rodrigo Amaral reports.