Justin Keay

Through the past year, central bankers teetered and wobbled to avoid both inflation and recession while juggling an array of internal and external risks. Global Finance grades their success and interviews a dozen about the last year—and the next.

Andriy Pyshnyy, governor of the National Bank of Ukraine, discusses the difficulties of being a central bank governor during wartime and what lies ahead for Ukraine.

Gaye Erkan, a Turkish-US citizen, was an unexpected choice with no central bank experience and is already bucking Erdoğanomics.

Global Finance names the banks and financial institutions leading the way in sustainable finance in Central and Eastern Europe.

Romania’s success so far at reforms has been answered by growing investment interest.

Hungary's inflation is soaring and growth is slowing as tensions with the European Union continue to create political instability.

The Covid-19 pandemic created some waves in the foreign exchange markets over the last couple of years, but the re-emergence of global inflation and inflation-fighting central banks has truly rocked the currency world this year.

The huge drop-off in trade involving Russia and Ukraine has hit trade finance hard. 

Global Finance presents the best private banks in the CEE region.

The region’s economies are also threatened by large numbers of “zombie firms" as growth slows.

Britain's third prime minister in just three months—Rishi Sunak—steps up to the plate.

Demands for more sustainable investment and green energy are at an all-time high.

From dealing with the effects of the pandemic, to an economy on the rebound, Georgia is moving forward.

Protests over energy prices turned violent and Russian troops intervened to restore the status quo.

The currency’s wild ride continues into the new year.

Markets continued to grow despite harm caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.

This year’s best private Central and Eastern European banks prep for an economic recovery.

Turkish President Recep Erdogan believes high interest rates cause high inflation and sacked three central bank governors who stalled on rate cuts.

Lebanon's richest man takes Lebanon's toughest job.

The Czech Republic’s decision to rejoin EBRD has an echo of Cyprus belatedly becoming a member country in 2014 in the wake of its financial crisis.

The region’s three economies face distinct challenges as Azerbaijan follows up on its military victory, Armenia licks its wounds and Georgia copes with political turmoil.

The CEE’s hard-working citizens and well-adjusted economy are crucial to post-Covid recovery.

Erdoğan’s government hopes a more disciplined monetary policy will restore investor confidence and bolster an economic recovery in 2021.

These banks provided financial support and more­—for their employees, their clients and their countries.

Pro-EU former Prime Minister Maia Sandu beat pro-Russia incumbent Igor Dodon with 58% of the vote.

Can Turkey's new economic team bring stability to policymaking?

Baku is rolling out ambitious plans for economic expansion and reform. But first, there are worsening regional tensions and currency woes to grapple with. And Covid.

Turkish aspirations to become an energy exporter may clash with a Greek-led coalition of states.

Emerging and developing economies will likely be hardest hit by Covid-19. Rebuilding will require addressing preexisting conditions as well as the new ones.

Divided Poland narrowly re-elects the Law and Justice party president.

Europe's most illiberal democracy may no longer be a democracy.

Following a period of heady growth, the region’s economies are expected to slow in the face of the eurozone slump, lower EU investment, and coronavirus.

What does the next decade have in store for Turkey?

Conflicts persist, but analysts see economic reforms continuing and democracy taking hold in a crossroads region.

A surprise win in the EU's newest member state.

Non-performing loans are a threat to Turkey's economic health.

Despite political unrest, and criticism from trading partners, Turkey continues to draw foreign direct investment. Can FDI help it return to economic expansion?

Levantine banks operate in fragile economies in a region facing severe upheaval. Some are finding a way through the chaos better than others.

Egypt and Lebanon may have very different economies but they have one thing in common: the importance of their central banks.

September saw a further weakening in the governing AKP party’s once-unassailable hold on power in Turkey, with respected former Deputy Prime Minister Ali Babacan announcing he will establish a new pro-business, pro-West party, citing “deep differences” with the AKP, or ...

Armenia’s popular new government is undertaking an ambitious economic overhaul. The early reviews are good.

Election re-run results in blow to Turkey's ruling AKP.

Postelection, Turkey needs to take tangible measures to restore economic stability and government credibility and strengthen domestic capital markets.

Absence of election turmoil opens opportunity for economic reforms.
 

Slovakia bucks the global trend towards nationalism.

Greece's economy has improved markedly from the dark days of 2009.

Even with investor and public worries about corruption, the dynamic Balkan economies offer opportunities with the promise of EU membership.

Broadly positive developments last year suggest reform and economic development could take deeper root in 2019.

Greece makes a deal with its neighbor to change the country's name to North Macedonia.

Flexibility, consistent economic policies and strong regulation are some of the ingredients behind Poland’s ongoing expansion—which analysts say is likely to continue.