Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has strengthened Croatia's alignment with the European Union and NATO, achieving significant economic growth. Despite his success, the HDZ-backed candidate in the upcoming presidential election is likely to lose to incumbent President Zoran Milanovic, who has been a formidable political figure since his first term in 2019.

Banks in the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) experienced growth in assets and Tier 1 capital in 2017, indicating economic recovery. Kazakhstan and Ukraine's banks showed significant improvements, with Halyk Bank leading the rankings. The region's recovery was aided by rising oil prices and domestic reforms. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) supported Ukraine's Oschadbank, and PrivatBank was nationalized following a fraud scandal. The banking sector in Belarus is recovering, with Belarusbank maintaining its position despite challenges.

Lazard, celebrating its 175th anniversary, has evolved significantly since its inception in New Orleans. Currently, it is navigating a period of transition amid changing global financial markets. Nick Fowler, a managing director at Lazard, plays a key role in the company's equity advisory team, offering a range of advisory services including IPOs and capital-raising activities.

MUFG's capital markets team, led by co-heads Fabianna Del Canto and Antoine Baudron, is experiencing a strong start to 2023, benefiting from groundwork laid in the previous year. The team oversees a range of products and has a significant presence in London, with operations for EU clients executed through the Paris branch. They have been involved in key transactions, such as a €1bn green hybrid bond issue by Iberdrola and a €600m hybrid bond by Eurofins Scientific. MUFG is focusing on growing its hybrid business and sees opportunities in project finance, particularly in renewables and digital infrastructure. The co-heads are optimistic about the recovery of capital markets and MUFG's prospects in the EMEA region.

The Baltic states, including Latvia, are increasingly asserting themselves on the European and NATO stage. Latvia contributed nearly 1 percent of its GDP to Ukraine last year and now exceeds NATO’s spending target, with plans to further increase its defense budget. As a former Soviet republic, Latvia is acutely aware of the threat Russia poses and has taken a tougher stance on residency and language issues, particularly concerning its Russian-speaking and non-citizen minorities. Edvards Smiltens, chairman of the opposition United List political alliance, emphasizes Latvia's role in highlighting the Russian threat to other countries.

Croatian Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic has strengthened Croatia's alignment with the EU and NATO, achieving significant economic growth and political stability. Despite these successes, incumbent President Zoran Milanovic, known for his populist nationalist appeal, is poised to win another term in the upcoming presidential election. The political landscape is marked by Plenkovic's center-right Croatian Democratic Union's dominance, while Milanovic remains a key opposition figure. Economic challenges persist, with inflation affecting quality of life, and Russia's influence remains a concern. Plenkovic's potential departure for an EU or NATO role could shift the political dynamics further.

Mohamed Kallala, global head of Natixis Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), emphasizes a dual strategy of maintaining a diversified portfolio and seizing business opportunities. Under his leadership, Natixis CIB has navigated multiple economic crises and focused on client-centric, responsible banking. The bank's innovative 'multi-boutique' approach has led to successful acquisitions and a strong presence in green financing, including significant projects with ACWA Power and EDF. Natixis CIB's strategy includes a mix of M&A-focused work and flow business, aiming to stay at the forefront of market trends and sustainability efforts.

Romania's parliamentary elections saw an unexpected outcome with the Social Democratic Party (PSD) securing 30 percent of the vote, surpassing the ruling National Liberal Party (PNL) which garnered 25 percent. Despite this, the PNL will form a governing coalition with two smaller parties. Prime Minister Ludovic Orban resigned following the results, and Finance Minister Florin Citu has been named the new prime minister-designate. The low voter turnout of 32 percent reflects both the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and widespread political disengagement. The PSD, known for its motivated base and controversial past, remains a significant force in Romanian politics.

The London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG) is embracing technology through strategic partnerships with big tech companies, notably Microsoft's £1.5bn investment aimed at enhancing data and analytics capabilities. Emma Miller, head of investment banking and capital markets at LSEG, emphasizes the transformative potential of AI and machine learning in modernizing investment banking workflows. The partnership with Microsoft, along with collaborations with AWS and Google, aims to drive efficiency and innovation in the financial sector. LSEG's historical strength and commitment to compliance position it well to navigate regulatory challenges while leveraging new technologies to improve productivity and decision-making in capital markets.

Rob Leon, the youngest-ever head of investment banking at Rand Merchant Bank (RMB), is leading the bank's efforts across Africa, focusing on transitioning markets and sustainability. RMB has been involved in significant deals, including a gender-linked bond for Barloworld and various green energy projects. The bank is expanding its presence, with a new office in New York to facilitate business flows into Africa. Despite challenges, Leon is optimistic about Africa's potential, highlighting the continent's growing young population and emerging middle class as key drivers for future investment opportunities.