Features
LONG READ: Playing Real Risk - Russia vs US
I play a game of Risk with my son using the real distribution of great power military bases around the world.
Russia's Ministry of Finance takes "manual control" over the most indebted regions
With the Russian public finances in rude health the government is moving to take tighter control of regional debt, the build-up of which nearly caused a crisis only two years ago.
Georgia’s leading commercial bank TBC moves into Uzbekistan
The biggest bank in Georgia TBC is to arrive in Uzbekistan by buying local payment service Payme. It is acquiring a 51% stake for $5.5mn.
Ukraine’s bond market revolution about to begin, just as debt repayments are about to soar
A revolution in the Ukrainian bond market is about to take place this month that should provide ample financing, raised on the domestic, not international, capital market to deal with a debt mountain Ukraine is facing this year.
Russian medical services show healthy growth
Private medical services are flourishing in Russia as the emerging middle class are willing to pay for better service, shorter waiting times and peace of mind in providing the best possible care for younger family members.
Western Balkans: Too small to be the next big thing?
Central Europe has been enjoying a boom for the last few years driven by investment into export-oriented sectors but as the boom peaks investors are looking south for new locations to set up production.
Russia’s consumers still glum but businesses becoming optimistic for 2019
So what was the mood among Russian consumers in the first quarter? Unfortunately, only a mere percentage point was taken off their misery. But business folk were feeling that much chirpier.
VOX: The march of Russia’s medical lab services business
Russia has many flourishing sectors like oil, retail and agriculture, but the expansion of the middle class has given rise to increasingly sophisticated services aimed at the population. Private medical services are growing at 15% a year or more.
Browder says Russia investors are risking their lives and clients’ money
Bill Browder, the founder of Hermitage Capital, warns foreign investors still active in Russia that they are risking their own lives as well as their clients’ money in an interview with bne IntelliNews.
End of an era of USSR dictators (or not?)
Kazakhstan’s ruler of 30 years Nursultan Nazarbayev has gone. Only he’s not gone. And ordinary Kazakhs who’ve lived through three “Soviet-groomed” decades don’t hold out much hope a handpicked successor will change much about their lives.