There is nothing like the buzz of a major sporting event to spark the feel-good factor in a host location. But is it possible to capitalise on this positive mood and turn it into something more sustainable that can encourage inward investment?

The Russian city of Volgograd has traditionally shied away from promoting itself as an investment hotspot, despite boasting a large, educated workforce and being abundant in natural resources. However, this state of inertia is about to change.

Why are profit margins among unlisted Chinese and Russian firms so low, particularly when compared with those of fellow BRIC economies India and Brazil? A study from the Institute for Emerging Market Studies highlights the perils of moving from a communist to a market economy.

Russian gold mining company Nordgold has expanded through many developing markets since its inception in 2007, and is looking to continue growing in regions that more established operators have tended to avoid.

The former Soviet republics that now make up the Commonwealth of Independent States have long been a fertile ground for German investors. This association is continuing to pay dividends, with German companies reaping the benefits of doing business in countries in which others in the West are more cautious about entering.

Companies setting up shop in Brazil, Russia, India and China are becoming increasingly dependent on financial outsourcing to navigate unfamiliar and often complex local legislation. While there are many advantages to outsourcing financial operations, there are myriad factors to consider before these can be realised.