The next generation of web usage, boosted by the spread of broadband, is going to be bigger and more diverse than ever – so banks should rethink their online strategy now. Stephen Timewell looks at the latest developments.

Austria’s Erste Bank is clear about its target market in the fast-expanding countries of central and eastern Europe. CEO Andreas Treichl explains why to Stephen Timewell.
A decade ago, Austria’s banks were not foreseen as the future dominant force in the development of banking in central and eastern Europe (CEE).

From being viewed as the rather uninteresting transfer of low-value payments by migrant workers, the remittance market has captured the attention of the world’s largest banks. 

National Australia Bank has revamped its UK holdings, Clydesdale and Yorkshire banks, as local financial centres with an in-house manager style reminiscent of the 1970s. Stephen Timewell reports.

Despite the massive market correction earlier in the year, there is no sign of Gulf banks’ growth abating as they continue to reap the benefits of the region’s oil-fuelled bonanza. 

Most global players have largely ignored south-east Europe, but Alpha Bank and other Greek banks are showing the potential of cross-border retail banking in the region, says Stephen Timewell.

Sheikh Salem Abdul Aziz Al-Sabah, governor of the Central Bank of Kuwait, tells Stephen Timewell he is optimistic about the future of Kuwait’s banking sector and economy.

As both the banking sector and competition grow, Kuwait’s major banks are developing their individual strategies. Stephen Timewell reports.

Despite the enormous riches stemming from $70-a-barrel oil, strong growth and good prospects across all sectors, the jury’s out on whether Kuwait’s leadership has the political will to achieve its potential. Stephen Timewell explains.

Trends suggest that banks capturing an expanding retail business catering to the mass ranks of financial-services-hungry populations in emerging countries will be tomorrow’s global giants.