Japanese development bank, the Japan Bank for International Co-operation, is tasked with integrating broader Asian demands into its operations. Environmental finance and capital markets support are two areas of increasing prominence for the bank.
Funding from capital markets has released development banks from the constraints of national economies' budgets to invest in a plethora of projects ranging from infrastructure, exports, business start-ups and the social development and growth of transition economies.
For the first time in its modern economic history, Japan is being hotly pursued by China, which recently became the world's second-largest economy. Nomura Research Institute's chief economist reveals what Japan needs to learn if it is to maintain its lofty position in the new global economic order.
Despite falling into a major economic trough in the first quarter of 2009, the majority of South Korea's banks are poised for a stable recovery in 2010. But the unwinding of stimulus packages worldwide and the risk of a possible double-dip global recession in the West continue to threaten the Korean banking sector. Writer Mee Hyoe Koo
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
Ongoing financial reform will not be held back by Thailand's political troubles, say Thailand's bankers. Neither portfolio nor direct investment inflows have been impacted, and the country's government is pressing on with two masterplans for the financial sector and capital markets. Writer Brian Caplen
Missing out: the Philippine Stock Exchange has lost major domestic listings to the Singapore ExchangeA move to fully integrate ASEAN capital markets by 2015 is proving a powerful driving force for pan-ASEAN economic integration. Writer Michelle Price
The 'soap opera' surrounding the protracted dismissal of the Argentine central bank governor by president Cristina Kirchner has damaged the country's international image and highlighted major weaknesses within its institutions. Writer Jason Mitchell
Keynote speaker: French president Nicolas Sarkozy talked of the 'crisis of globalisation' at DavosWhile debt and regulation loomed over this year's World Economic Forum, global representatives from the banking sector were also encouraged by the emerging shape of the post-crisis world. Writer Brian Caplen