Ecuador's private banks are up in arms about the effects of government intervention on their profits. The country's finance minister, however, rejects such accusations, saying that the relationship between bank and customer was in need of a rebalancing. Writer Rodrigo Amaral in Madrid
Having emerged from years of civil war, Sri Lanka is in a position to address its long-term economic development and infrastructural regeneration. The country's central bank governor discusses his monetary policy for 2010 and explains how it will work alongside the government's reform plans. Writer Michelle Price
State-owned development bank Vnesheconombank became a vital tool for the Russian government to combat the financial crisis, not only at home but also in neighbouring countries. The bank's chairman explains how it is exiting the assistance phase and preparing a long-term role in the economy. Writer Philip Alexander
Poland has emerged as the most resilient economy in the EU during the global slowdown. However, The Banker's European Finance Minister of the Year is determined to stay ahead of the pack, and is now prioritising bringing down the country's budget deficit. Writer Philip Alexander
The Bank of Thailand's tenacious governor reflects on the central bank's staunch risk management reforms which saw the country's banking sector through the credit crisis in good shape, and looks ahead to the next challenge - of negotiating a macro-prudential economic policy across south-east Asia. Writer Michelle Price
Turkiye Garanti Bankasi's general manager for technology, Halil Husnu Erel, was instrumental in overseeing the bank's launch of the world's first online-only Western Union transfers system and is now driving the development of a contactless 'e-purse' card, which looks set to reaffirm Garanti's status as a leader in retail banking innovation.
The former prime minister of New Zealand and now chairman of New Zealand Post Group's fast-growing Kiwibank believes that the company offers a template for post groups around the world attempting to establish a banking brand. Writer Michelle Price
Salaheddine Mezouar, Minister of Economy and Finance for MoroccoMorocco's minister of economy and finance spoke to The Banker about fiscal reform, his plans to invest in the country's infrastructure to further diversify its economy and his priorities for 2010. Writer Charlie Corbett
Firing the chief executives responsible for mismanaging Nigeria's banks has been the first step to fixing the country's financial problems. Now the system is more transparent, Central Bank of Nigeria governor Lamido Sanusi is spelling out his vision for banking reform and stability. Writer Peter Guest
The Philippines' finance minister says that the archipelago's economy has remained relatively resilient during the downturn compared with its export-dependent neighbours. But the budget deficit remains an ongoing problem. Writer Michelle Price