Western Europe

Rebuilding UBS: Can UBS revive its business and reputation?

UBS has endured a catastrophic three years. Now, under the stewardship of former Credit Suisse chief Oswald Grübel, the bank is attempting to restore its reputation and revive its business. Geraldine Lambe reports.

Austria

What really happened at Hypo Group Alpe Adria

Small change: Hypo Group Alpe Adria was nationalised late last year for the sum of €3Small change: Hypo Group Alpe Adria was nationalised late last year for the sum of €3

The nationalisation of Austria's Hypo Alpe Adria had more to do with regulation and ownership models than exposure to emerging Europe. Writer Philip Alexander

Belgium

Jean-Paul Votron, Fortis CEO

A quiet revolution

The three-way acquisition of ABN AMRO by RBS, Santander and Fortis proved a remarkable collaborative effort, as Fortis CEO Jean-Paul Votron tells Geraldine Lambe.

Cyprus

In the bidding labyrinth

Are the Bank of Cyprus’s days numbered? Nick Kochan reports on the rival predators’ struggle for the bank, and the opposing forces of regulators and nationalists.

Denmark

Bjřrn Lomborg

One impact of the credit crunch is that there is less money available for social causes. However, a panel of economic experts has been assembled to advise governments, businesses and NGOs on which causes should be prioritised.

Finland

Markku Pohjola, Nordea

A state of immunity

Conservatism, strong deposit bases and past consolidation bode well for Finland’s banks in the global credit squeeze, writes Robert Anderson.

France

Christine Lagarde - Interview

The no-nonsense style of France’s finance minister has won her many admirers. She tells The Banker of how she intends to tackle the hardest task of her tenure, that of regulating France and Europe’s post-crisis banking landscape. Writer Silvia Pavoni

Germany

What really happened at Hypo Group Alpe Adria

Small change: Hypo Group Alpe Adria was nationalised late last year for the sum of €3Small change: Hypo Group Alpe Adria was nationalised late last year for the sum of €3

The nationalisation of Austria's Hypo Alpe Adria had more to do with regulation and ownership models than exposure to emerging Europe. Writer Philip Alexander

Greece

Greece: Sovereign woes cast long shadows for banks

Bank of Greece, Athens: EU officials visited the Greek capital in January to assess the government's crisis strategyBank of Greece, Athens: EU officials visited the Greek capital in January to assess the government's crisis strategy

The leading Greek banks had retained relatively conservative business models at home prior to the financial crisis, but market fears about government debt make the downturn even harder to manage. Writer Philip Alexander

Iceland

Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir

Jóhanna Sigurdardóttir, prime minister of IcelandJóhanna Sigurdardóttir, prime minister of Iceland

Nowhere was hit as hard by the credit crisis as Iceland, but as the country rebuilds its economy and banking sector, it is determined to learn from this harshest of lessons.

Ireland

Irish government hopes its bad bank will work

Getting the message: the formation of NAMA has led to protests in Ireland

Getting the message: the formation of NAMA has led to protests in Ireland

The Irish government has opted for a 'bad bank' to save the nation's finances by buying up bad loans. With some experts unconvinced this was the best solution, only time will tell if the gamble pays off. Writer Philippa Maister

Italy

Alessandro Profumo

Alessandro Profumo, Chief executive of UnicreditAlessandro Profumo, Chief executive of Unicredit

UniCredit, the Italian bank with a significant presence in Europe, is back on track following a €4bn rights issue to fund loan demand in eastern Europe. Its chief executive explains how the company's diversified business model is now giving it an advantage over its competitors. Writer Brian Caplen

Luxembourg

Outside influence

The state-owned Banque et Caisse d'Epargne de l'Etat may be performing well, but Luxembourg operations of Fortis and Dexia have encountered problems as the knock-on effect of the recession in powerful neighbouring economies takes its toll on one of the world's smallest countries. Writer Nick Kochan

Reinforcement required: Luxembourg's major banks have needed assistance in the face of the economic crisis
Reinforcement required: Luxembourg's major banks have needed assistance in the face of the economic crisis

Malta

Lawrence Gonzi

Dr Lawrence Gonzi, prime minister of MaltaDr Lawrence Gonzi, prime minister of Malta

Malta might be tiny but it is determined to make itself heard on the world stage. Dr Lawrence Gonzi, prime minister of Malta, explains how. Writer Michael Imeson

 

The Netherlands

Rabobank's 'Rhineland' approach pays off

Demonstrating the merits of the co-operative structure, The Netherlands' Rabobank has performed stronger in the crisis than many commercial banks enticed by high-profit yet high-exposure investment banking practices. Writer Brian Caplen

Norway

Thomas Neckmar, Nordea

Nordic banks braced for Baltic slowdown

As recessions loom in the Baltic states, Scandinavian banks have reason to be grateful for their reliable domestic earnings, reports Karina Robinson.

Turkey

The quest for new customers

Ali Fuat Erbil, assistant general manager, Garanti BankAli Fuat Erbil, assistant general manager, Garanti Bank

Leading Turkish bank Garanti is the first to offer, send and receive functions of the Western Union Money Transfersm service through its own website, as Ali Fuat Erbil, assistant general manager of Garanti Bank, explains.

Portugal

A reliable model for a risk-averse world

Big plans: Oriente Station in Lisbon is one of the world's largest stations, with 75 million passengers per year. Portugal's new government is implementing a huge infrastructure programme, including high-speed rail linksBig plans: Oriente Station in Lisbon is one of the world's largest stations, with 75 million passengers per year. Portugal's new government is implementing a huge infrastructure programme, including high-speed rail links

Portugal's traditionally cautious approach to banking with a strong leaning towards public investment is being recognised by other countries as an effective, if temporary, approach during the current downturn. Writer Peter Wise

San Marino

Microstate with macro ambitions

David Lane reports on the tiny state of San Marino’s bid to take on the likes of Ireland and Luxembourg.

Spain

Emilio Botín

Emilio Botín, chairman of Banco Santander

Emilio Botín, chairman of Banco Santander

The chairman of The Banker's Bank of the Year, Banco Santander, describes why the global crisis has largely bypassed his bank, and how the company's focus on customer service and efficiency will help its acquisitions across Europe, Latin America and the US to thrive.

Sweden

Thomas Neckmar, Nordea

Nordic banks braced for Baltic slowdown

As recessions loom in the Baltic states, Scandinavian banks have reason to be grateful for their reliable domestic earnings, reports Karina Robinson.

Switzerland

Rebuilding UBS: Can UBS revive its business and reputation?

UBS has endured a catastrophic three years. Now, under the stewardship of former Credit Suisse chief Oswald Grübel, the bank is attempting to restore its reputation and revive its business. Geraldine Lambe reports.

United Kingdom

Lloyds recapitalisation was both trailblazing and rehabilitating

Back with a bang: Lloyds achieved Europe's largest fully underwritten capital-raising exercise to dateBack with a bang: Lloyds achieved Europe's largest fully underwritten capital-raising exercise to date

The Ł22.5bn recapitalisation of Lloyds Banking Group last November not only kept the institution free from outright government control, but helped to rehabilitate the financial markets. Writer Edward Russell-Walling


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