Despite being the leading player in one of the world’s largest markets, State Bank of India lags a long way behind the top global names. The bank’s chairman, O P Bhatt, discusses its strategy and direction. Interview by Stephen Timewell.

In terms of aggregates, the key Latin American banks have grown significantly this year and Brazil is remaining at the forefront with impressive pre-tax profits. Writer Stephen Timewell.

Greece’s avoidance of complex banking products means it has weathered the downturn better than other European countries. Now it is stealing a march on bigger economies by expanding into its near neighbours. Writer Stephen Timewell.

As the banking industry descends into ever-deeper gloom, the more ethical, risk-sharing approach offered by the Islamic finance industry is attracting an increasing amount of attention. The Banker’s Top 500 Islamic Financial Institutions ranking lists the sector’s key players.
By Stephen Timewell & Joseph DiVanna

Despite the volatility of the oil markets, it looks likely that Arab banks’ conservative strategies will insulate them from the worst effects of the global downturn. Writer Stephen Timewell.

Asian banks have avoided the worst of the credit crunch and shown steady economic growth. China is predictably the big winner, accounting for 41 of the Top 200 and dwarfing India’s aggregate sum. Writer Stephen Timewell.

Dubai’s healthy economy embodies a radically different financial model that Europe and the US might do well to learn from. Even its lucrative oil interests are being left behind. Writer Stephen Timewell.

Total assets among Russia’s banks have posted robust growth in excess of 50% and there have been some structural improvements, but banks remain vulnerable to sudden changes in the health of the national economy and are looking decidedly over concentrated. Writer Stephen Timewell.

Figures from the World Bank and the United Nations reveal how migratory trends and remittance are affected by the global economic climate. Writer Stephen Timewell.

Healthy oil revenues mean the Gulf Co-operation Council countries are enjoying an ongoing boom and even concerns over inflation cannot shake the optimism surrounding the region. Writer Stephen Timewell.