After two decades at HSBC, Alan Keir has been made global head of commercial banking - he tells Tim Burke about his plans.

Russia’s IPO market needs a new sense of direction, even as other sources of funding prove their worth. Tim Burke reports.

Banks have given the covered bond market a bumper start to the year. But these traditionally secure investments face new challenges, reports Tim Burke.

With anti-government protests across North Africa turning in riots, the cost to business has been high. Political-risk insurers may have to foot the bill. Mark Dunne reports.

Slovakia’s trips to the debt markets show investors’ trust in the government’s financial plans.

The GCC has one of the world’s youngest asset management industries, but after radical regulatory changes the market is heading in the right direction. Mark Dunne reports.

Malaysia’s dominance of the Islamic finance industry continues. Competitors will face difficulty in reaching the same heights.

Sun, sea, sand and a surprisingly strong banking system – Mauritius has much to offer. Tim Burke reports.

Emerging markets continue to benefit from carbon credit schemes. With Russia now in the game, expect a busy 2011. Mark Dunne reports.

Banks are sending staff to class to keep their business competitive. Mark Dunne reports.

In the first of a series of columns exploring topical treasury and transaction banking issues, Dominic Broom discusses how financial institutions can – and should – work to optimise network management in these turbulent times.

Coverage of this year’s winners.