Still standing: innovation the key to survival for Spain and Italy's structured products markets

The structured product markets of Italy and Spain have survived the eurozone’s recent sovereign debt traumas relatively unscathed, while their economies have so far dodged the fate dished out to Greece and Ireland. Clare Dickinson examines how providers have weathered the storm and asks what challenges lie ahead

The Spanish and Italian markets have yet to be toppled

The Italian and Spanish markets were among those hit by the sovereign debt crisis earlier this year, after fears of a possible default by Greece were extended to incorporate the so-called Piigs countries - Portugal, Ireland, Italy, Greece and Spain - all of which were struggling with debt concerns. As the European Union agrees an €85 billion bailout package for the Irish Republic amid speculation that Portugal will be next in line, Italy and Spain seem to have left their European neighbours