The Deals of the Year winners from Europe.

The management quality of Ukrainian banks is gradually improving, but they continue to face difficulties from legal and political uncertainty, with some foreign-owned banks already giving up the struggle.

The Bulgarian banking sector has not needed government assistance in the wake of the financial crisis, but its slow growth rates and high non-performing loans do not make an inspiring combination.

Growth rates and returns on consumer lending in Russia are remarkable, but the market demands increasing levels of sophistication to ensure success.

Mobile money, including banking and payments, is encroaching into the everyday life of the consumer. Monetising the business is still proving difficult, but thanks to the abundance of products available already, tangible business models are slowly emerging.

A focus on creating an easier environment in which to do business, a sound banking system with high levels of liquidity, and a further round of privitisations show that Kosovo's star is on the rise, its president tells The Banker.

In his spacious office high above Tbilisi, Georgia’s newly elected prime minister – and wealthiest citizen – Bidzina Ivanishvili talks about his plans to boost investment, to mend the relationship with Russia and to manage a difficult political cohabitation.