Central bank governor of the year 1997: Central Banker of the Year: Yam – Hong Kong’s sharp-shooter

His combative approach - along with $70 billion reserves - has seen off all the currency speculators so far. But does Joseph Yam sleep easy at night?

Finance Minister of the Year: Chubais forces the pace

Chubais takes stock

The perennial worrier

Finance Minister and Central Banker of the Year: The regional winners

He rarely sleeps and he worries too much, but it seems to have paid off. Joseph Yam has successfully steered Hong Kong through what was billed as the most tumultuous year in its history.

Ironically, the transition of sovereignty from Britain to China proved a walk in the park compared with the ensuing currency turmoil that has flared across the rest of Asia.

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