The Penguin Economist Special reports delve into the most pressing economic issues of the day: from national and global economies, to the impact of trade, industry and jobs. Written to be read on a long commute or in your lunch hour - be better informed in under an hour.

Retail banking is heading for a revival. With the financial crisis still hanging over Western economies, banks have rejuvenated the retail arm of the business. They are now seen as more stable sources of profit than the risky traders.

Technology is both a help and a hindrance. On one hand, online banking is revolutionizing money management. But will this lead to the close of the high street bank? How can banks outstrip the developing tech companies who are offering rival services?

This report will assess the challenges and opportunities that banks face in the rich world and the emerging markets. Sections include:

Retail renaissance

Withering away

Dispatches from the hothouse

Crunching the numbers

A wealth of wallets

Over the sea and far away

Private pursuits

World, here we come