The CE3 currencies have outperformed much of the emerging-market FX complex through recent carry unwinds – perhaps surprisingly, given the relative popularity of these currencies as receivers on account of high domestic policy rates.

Alongside UniCredit’s recent acquisition of Polish financial technology company Vodeno, the US private equity takeover of VeloBank is another sign of renewed optimism in Poland.

Record regional bank profits, plus strong capital ratios in Western Europe, have fuelled hope for more bank acquisitions in Central and Eastern Europe. The uncertain effect of recent court rulings on Swiss franc mortgages, however, is a big obstacle to deals in Poland.

NatWest digital SME bank Mettle has broken new ground in its partnership with Polish fintech firm Vodeno.

In what was supposed to be a banner year for Poland’s banks, free universal mortgage holidays are set to halve profits in the sector in 2022. Many fear the government will extend the policy as elections approach in 2023. Are Poland’s attacks on mortgage interest margins in the name of fighting Russia-fuelled inflation a sign of things to come elsewhere?

In just a few years, the New Eurasian Land Bridge, which conveys rail freight between China and Europe, became a key part of Beijing’s fading Belt and Road Initiative. Thanks to sanctions levied against state operator Russian Railways, that vital trade link threatens to be disrupted – and possibly severed.

Polish companies have been behind the curve when it comes to sustainability. A reinvigorated Warsaw Stock Exchange plans to bring them up to speed.

The saga of Poland’s Idea Bank has finally been resolved with a forced takeover by number two player Pekao. But questions remain over the role of the state.

Emerging Europe’s dormant primary equity market springs back to life. Can the revival continue into 2021?

‘Inadequate’ stimulus package could leave banks on the hook as Covid-19 pushes Poland towards recession.

The need to raise funding in international markets comes at a bad time for a sector facing uncertainty over Swiss franc mortgage litigation and rising levies.

As part of Euromoney's 50th anniversary coverage, we profile some of the biggest names that we interviewed for our May CEE focus.

Leszek Balcerowicz served as minister of finance in Poland from September 1989 to December 1991, and again for three years from October 1997. He was governor of the National Bank of Poland from 2000 to 2007.

Six months after Polish debt collector GetBack went into default, shockwaves from the event continue to shake the country’s financial sector.

Former CEO of private equity-owned firm arrested; regulator looks to curb bond sales to retail investors.

Distributed ledger technology could be answer to GDPR for banks worried their legacy systems will struggle to cope with customer rights over their records.

Appetite for acquisitions in the outperforming economies of emerging Europe is booming, despite political concerns. Deal flow remains concentrated in the mid-market, however, as a shortage of opportunities frustrates would-be big-ticket buyers.

Michal Krupinski looks to shake off the legacy of UniCredit with big plans for Poland’s second-largest lender. But will he be given a chance to implement them?

Like many truly bad ideas, state ownership of banks is a concept that refuses to die.

The memorandum which western commercial bankers have agreed to present to Poland is extraordinary in that it would give the bankers an IMF role in directing the Polish economy.