China's leading banks have come through the credit crisis and resulting global recession well, on the whole posting strong results for 2008. The Banker profiles five of these banks, looking at the ways in which they have transformed themselves by targeting a wider range of businesses and expanding their product offering. Writer Stephen Timewell
Its longevity is as unique as its global appeal and from its very first issue to this, its 1000th, The Banker has remained true to the vision set out by its founder, Brendan Bracken. The international outlook and forward thinking that has made The Banker such a success over the past 83 years is a course that will be steadfastly continued. Writer Stephen Timewell
Winner of The Banker’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Ibrahim Dabdoub has steered National Bank of Kuwait successfully through many crises, maintaining a balanced operating style and stressing the importance of trust and relationships. Writer Stephen Timewell.