Many of the Middle East’s largest companies have grown their businesses impressively over the past year, writes Rod James.

Expanding economies and investor appetite have given the continent’s companies plenty of reasons for cheer. Tim Burke talks to executives at some of the largest names about their growth strategies.

The UAE’s standing as a regional safe haven has helped the country’s banks enjoy a stellar first half of 2013. Rod James takes a closer look at the figures.

Interviews with new hires and those hiring at Sberbank CIB, Societe Generale, Absa and Exotix.

VTB's capital increase; Slovenia's return to the debt markets; and Russian banks' results.

Dubai's debt restructuring and Bank of Baroda's regional expansion.

Rwanda's eurobond; Djibouti's outlook; Ashburton's new fund; and Swift's plans for Ghana.

Companies in emerging markets are catching up with their developed-market peers in addressing sustainability. Guido Giese, head of indices at investment firm RobecoSAM, tells Tim Burke about this and other trends his research team have found.

Low exposure to international shocks has seen Azerbaijan’s banks grow impressively in recent years. Rod James examines what needs to be done to build on this position of strength.

Lebanon’s economy has been battered by spill-over from the Syrian civil war and volatility in the country’s own political sphere. But its banks have proved resilient as always, and are now looking overseas for new business. Tim Burke reports.

A toxic mix of weak growth, rising inflation, strained public finances and a rapidly declining currency has pushed Egypt to crisis point. Rod James examines how this position can be reversed and whether there will be the political stability to do it.

While most of Europe ground to a halt, Poland had years of consistently speedy economic expansion. As growth slows, Rod James analyses what Polish banks can do to get things moving again.