Despite its close proximity to crisis-hit Greece, Albania made its first foray into the Eurobond market last year. After agonising over when to issue the deal in such a volatile market, it would seem that the timing of the launch was just right. Writer Joanne Hart
Central & eastern Europe
Latest articles from Central & eastern Europe
Russia's pocket banks face tougher future
December 8, 2010The collapse of International Industrial Bank, one of Russia's largest privately owned banks, could signal a tougher climate for Russian institutions that focus on related-party lending. Writer Philip Alexander
Czechs fall back into favour
December 8, 2010The launch of a €2bn, 10-year bond in late summer has stirred international interest in the Czech Republic. Writer Joanne Hart
Russian top 10 bank collapses
December 1, 2010Russia's central bank leaves bondholders on edge as one of the country's biggest banks goes under.
Albania's banks take small steps
November 24, 2010Now Albania has emerged from the financial crisis in relatively sound health, its banks are setting their sights on prudent expansion.
Counting the changes
September 29, 2010Promising much, the new Hungarian government has won few fans in the banking sector, with the scale of its new bank tax dwarfing similar plans in the UK and Germany. Writer Thomas Escritt
Getting Ukraine's finances back on track
August 30, 2010The deputy prime minister of Ukraine, Sergei Tigipko, explains what measures his government is taking, with the help of the International Monetary Fund, to get the country's finances back on an even keel.
Bulgaria and Romania defy Eurozone woes
July 28, 2010Greek banks control at least a fifth of the banking markets in Bulgaria and Romania but, despite this exposure to one of Europe's more troubled economies, bankers in the two countries believe there will still be a sufficient supply of credit to meet demand. Writer Philip Alexander
Estonia's lesson for Europe's powerhouses
July 28, 2010Estonia may be in debt, but it has the third-lowest budget deficit in Europe and, as the country's prime minister explains, its policies of prudence and restraint are putting it in a strong position for its entry to the eurozone. Interview by Courtney Fingar.
VTB swaps quantity for quality
July 28, 2010Russia's second largest bank has grown its assets more than 30 times over the past 10 years, but its new chief financial officer explains that a more measured business strategy has altered the bank's wholesale funding priorities. Writer Philip Alexander