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
The lap of luxury: Malta's Xara Hotel is expensive but attracts visitors from far and wideAnyone considering doing business in Malta will need to know a few practical things about flights, hotels and so on - and more if they are thinking of living there. Writer Michael Imeson
Professor Joseph Bannister, Malta Financial Services Authority's chairmanWhen a financial institution considers setting up in a new jurisdiction, it wants a regime that is robust, but also fair. For many, the Malta Financial Services Authority ticks all these boxes. Writer Michael Imeson
Malta ranks 13th in the world for financial market sophistication, according to a World Economic Forum survey. It raised its game considerably before it joined the EU in 2004, and now enjoys the presence of many international banks, insurers and fund managers operating within an EU-compliant regulatory regime. Writer Michael Imeson
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