Central Europe and the euro;
Which of Russia’s regions do you need to get to know better?;
Meet the man who has been finding oil two feet underground in Kazakhstan;
OTP’s CEO remains fiercely ambitious and stubbornly independent;
Romania’s privatization is paying off; Balkan region.
After EU accession in 2004, the next target for central Europe’s governments is the euro. In the scramble to comply with the Maastricht criteria, have they started to borrow techniques, invented by their western European counterparts, for massaging the numbers? Kathryn Wells reports, with research by Pauline Thomas. Euromoney September 2006
Foreign investors have made fortunes investing in Russia. But now they are looking to go deeper, and are packing their bags to discover Russia’s regions. Julian Evans reports from three of Russia’s developing regions. Euromoney September 2006
Increasingly sophisticated Russian retail investors are seeking new products to beat interest rate returns. Patrick Gill reports. Euromoney September 2006
Only incorporated in 2005, Almaty-based Max Petroleum shows that smaller, independent energy companies can still make their mark against the more powerful Russian and global firms. Euromoney September 2006
Kazakh investment banking boutique Visor Capital believes it can offer clients a bridge between local and international markets. It is looking to open up new avenues for corporates and international investors alike. Can it compete with the more established competition? Euromoney September 2006
Compass Asset Management’s chief investment officer expects his funds under management to grow from $20 million to $100 million in the next 12 months. Is Kazakhstan the next great emerging Europe play? Euromoney September 2006
Bank TuranAlem is growing fast and has set its sights on toppling the largest bank in the country, Kazkommertsbank. The next stage in its growth strategy could involve an IPO to attract international investors. Euromoney September 2006
Hungary’s OTP Bank dominates its domestic market, but can it compete with regional powerhouses such as Raiffeisen International and UniCredit, or is it in danger of being swallowed up itself? Kathryn Wells meets OTP’s long-serving chief executive, Sandor Csanyi, to find out. Euromoney September 2006
Foreign banks are pushing the sector forward even as the rewards come in. The capital market is also showing signs of life but would benefit from more determined decision-making. Florian Neuhof reports. Euromoney September 2006
Güler Sabanci, who chairs Turkey’s Sabanci Group, talks to Peter Koh about foreign partnerships, international expansion, the group’s strategic direction and the difficulties of running a family business. Euromoney September 2006
As an investor dedicated to the region, East Capital Asset Management is in the vanguard of a growing breed. Oonagh Leighton reports. Euromoney September 2006
With a successful Eurobond behind it, the republic is beginning to fulfil its promise as a strategic part of the Balkans. Oonagh Leighton reports. Euromoney September 2006
The US is buried under a mountain of debt, much of it owned by past or current enemies. The ageing, ill man of Europe gets older and sicker. New economies of the Middle East, Latin America, emerging Europe and Asia are using windfalls to build for the future, and exert their influence across the globe. This is the new financial order. Markets will never be the same again.
