(Reuters) - Bankers and officials in Greece, Spain and Belgium joined a chorus of countries expecting their banks to pass European stress tests, but doubts linger over whether the health checks are tough or transparent enough.
Europe is assessing how 91 banks across 20 countries would cope with another economic downturn in an effort to restore confidence after Greece's sovereign debt crisis hit markets and sparked fears the euro zone could unravel.
With banks exposed to major potential losses on Portuguese, Greek or Spanish government debt, the crisis has hurt confidence in big names such as Santander, and shut smaller lenders, especially in southern Europe, out of funding markets.
The Committee of European Banking Supervisors (CEBS), which is overseeing the stress tests, said results would be released on an aggregated and bank-by-bank basis from 1600 GMT on Friday.
"The intention is that it provides reassurance to investors ... the test is helpful but I do not think it is a panacea for providing that boost of confidence that regulators and politicians are hoping for," said Nick Brind, fund manager of the Hiscox Investment Management Income Fund.
"I do not think it is necessarily stringent, I do not think is transparent or that it will provide any more visibility."
The vast majority of banks are expected to pass and the aim is to pinpoint weak spots and force weaker banks to raise cash.