Despite achieving strong results last year, Palestine's banking sector is working to address its weaknesses. With ample customer deposits, the focus is now on developing the processes used to grant loans to broaden out profit-making opportunities. Witer Stephen Timewell
Bahrain has had to deal with its fair share of problems on the back of the global economic downturn, but a sound regulatory and supervisory structure and deft handling of the crisis by the central bank has ensured it will emerge as a stronger, more confident nation as a result. Writer Charlie Corbett
A muscular banking sector will make or break whether Iraq is to rebuild and prosper. And while there are increasing levels of capital inflow into the region, local banking infrastructure remains limited, leaving the sector wide open for foreign investment. Writer Courtney Fingar in Baghdad
The Lebanese economy's remarkable ability to withstand both political strife at home and financial crises overseas received universal acclaim. Achieving political consensus and reforming the country's archaic public finances will be the next challenge. Charlie Corbett reports from Beirut.
The Gulf Co-operation Council countries have suffered as a result of the global economic downturn. Bank profits are down and there have even been some bank failures. But there is also plenty to be upbeat about, with some regions bucking the downward trend. Writer Michael Imeson