Germany’s big four private-sector banks have enormous assets but dismal profitability, return on equity and market share and weak cost control. Put well into the shade in retail business by the local savings banks and state banks, which have peculiar funding advantages, they are ill-equipped to meet the challenge of the coming European financial market without frontiers. They are scrabbling around for survival strategies but few of them impress. Jennifer Morris reports on a banking system on its knees

INDONESIA

David Bowie was a big hit when he debuted in the securities market. His $55 million bond issue securitized by future royalties on his back catalogue of records was an innovative transaction, appeared to herald a slew of similar deals, and made a star out of banker David Pullman.

Around the world, cash-strapped governments are following the UK in turning to public-private partnerships to fund projects. No-one disputes the vast commercial potential for what may yet emerge as a new asset class. But deals are often fiendishly complicated and can provoke public doubts. Getting to grips with contract details is vital.

While Italy’s conventional banks struggle to achieve scale and market share at home and abroad, Ennio Doris continues to steer his Mediolanum organization to greater prominence. Its asset-gathering strategy seems to have paid off. Keeping his sleeping partner, prime minister Silvio Berlusconi, on his side remains one of his biggest headaches.