Panama's buoyant economy has allowed its banking sector to flourish. And, with future economic growth as good as guaranteed with the forthcoming completion of the Panama Canal expansion, many of the country's lenders are making moves to further capitalise on the country's prosperous position.

The World Bank's chief economist for Latin American and the Caribbean, Augusto de la Torre, discusses ways to increase the value of foreign direct investment in the region and how to manage short-term capital flows.

An economic boom coupled with new technologies is allowing Peruvian banks to tap consumer bases that have long been overlooked in the country. But, as the banking market advances at a breakneck speed, there are vulnerabilities to look out for – not least dollarisation.

The Deals of the Year winners from Americas.

Mobile money, including banking and payments, is encroaching into the everyday life of the consumer. Monetising the business is still proving difficult, but thanks to the abundance of products available already, tangible business models are slowly emerging.

President Hugo Chávez revolutionised life for some of the poorest in Venezuela, but also placed a heavy burden of foreign debt on the country’s economy. How will his successor approach these issues?

Personalised and location-based marketing tactics could be a catalyst for higher usage of mobile payments and could, in turn, unlock new business approaches. 

Trinidad and Tobago’s central bank governor discusses the population’s low financial literacy, movement in the country’s financial sector and the plans to stimulate the country’s stock exchange. 

Jamaica has turned a corner since its recession in 2010, say finance minister Peter Phillips and central bank governor Brian Wynter, thanks in no small part to its plans to restructure the country’s public debt and attract more cross-border investment.