Growing competition and the countdown to losing its state guarantee on retail deposits are two challenges that Russia’s giant Sberbank faces. But as chairman Andrei Kazmin tells Ben Aris, he isn’t panicking.

State-of-the-art information technology is transforming the experience of retail banking in Russia. Michael Imeson outlines the latest developments.

Vneshtorgbank offers a complete range of financial services, but it is its household mortgage lending service that answers a particular need.

Russia’s financial sector is in recovery from the 1998 crisis and banks are keen to gain an edge by using customer relationship management. But, as Wendy Atkins explains, first they must do their homework.

The ECB’s Tommaso Padoa-Schioppa dismisses talk of a double standard being applied to the 10 EU accession countries. Interview by Jan Wagner in Frankfurt.

Despite some difficulties, several new EU member countries could also be part of the euro currency zone as early as 2008. Given the demands of the process and their consequences, Marianne Kager reports on whether sooner is better.

For a large, underpopulated country, Kazakhstan has achieved impressive economic growth in recent years. And, despite Western criticism of endemic corruption and poor distribution of wealth, the country looks set to continue on the same path. Chris Pala reports.

Prudent management of its oil reserves and a commitment to propriety is making Kazakhstan a regional success story. Chris Pala in Almaty explains.

Croatia’s new government has its work cut out preparing for Nato entry and EU accession negotiations as well as strengthening the country’s external trade balance in a slowing economy. Istvan Lengyel reports from Zagreb.

A carefully planned tourism industry will provide Croatia with jobs and economic growth.