State-owned development bank Vnesheconombank became a vital tool for the Russian government to combat the financial crisis, not only at home but also in neighbouring countries. The bank's chairman explains how it is exiting the assistance phase and preparing a long-term role in the economy. Writer Philip Alexander

As the central bank of Russia tightens capital requirements, the country's Top 50 banks look set to continue accumulating capital and assets at the expense of smaller players. Writer Philip Alexander

The economic advisor to the Russian president explains why he is cautiously optimistic about the country's economic prospects for 2010. Interview by Philip Alexander.

The Russian retail banking sector has survived the crisis largely intact, and the change of focus from growth to funding and risk management could have long-term benefits for its resilience. Writer Philip Alexander

Dominant state-owned Sberbank has not so far matched its entrenched status with market-leading service quality. The bank's head of strategy, Denis Bugrov, explains how he aims to change that. Writer Philip Alexander

As Russia's less developed regional banks are hit hard by the liquidity crisis, the chairman of Bank Center-Invest outlines his response. Writer Philip Alexander