Let's face it," sighs Gabriel Singson, central bank governor of the Philippines. "The banks have become timid." After nearly two years living in the shadow of the worst economic crisis in living memory, it is not surprising that many banks in Asia have lost the confidence to lend. The result, from Thailand to Japan has been a credit crunch that has intensified the recession and left the region in the grip of serious deflation. ...more

TADAO CHINO
New 'home doctor' for Asia's woes  Apr 30

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS
'Year of the Deal' proves disappointing  Apr 30

PRIVISATION
Cautious go-ahead for programmes  Apr 30

PRIVATE EQUITY
Money flows in but deals are held up  Apr 30