Latest articles from Americas

Are emerging market banks more transparent?

December 21, 2011

Banks in emerging markets appear to run greater risks to achieve greater returns. But they may just be more conservative in assessing their risks.

Centralbankeroftheyear2011TEASER

Central Bank Governor of the Year 2012 - Global and Americas

December 19, 2011

The role of central bank governor has come under increasing scrutiny over the past 12 months as markets in the developed world continued to wobble. The Banker recognises those who have led their countries’ economies  through what has been another tumultuous year.

brazilinfrastructure

No quick fix to Brazil's huge infrastructure needs

December 15, 2011

Brazilian infrastructure is in desperate need of investment if it is to support the country's growing economy. But with restrictions on foreign investment, limited public and domestic funding and opposition to further development from environmentalists, taking advantage of the plethora of opportunities in this sector is not straightforward.

Mind the GAAP on bank leverage

December 8, 2011
Us vs Europe teaser

US GAAP accounting standards may offer a misleading picture of leverage among five of the largest American banks relative to their European counterparts, because US banks net out derivatives exposure when calculating total assets.

Commodities supp teaser

CFTC commodity rules divide financial world

December 1, 2011

The US's Commodity Futures Trading Commission's new rules were passed by a slim majority of three to two and met with much chagrin as those opposing the changes threatened legal action. But with its position limit levels set wide, how will the reforms actually affect investment banks?

Christian Meissner

BAML CIB co-head takes comfort in deal dominance

December 1, 2011

Revenues may be down but market share is up for Bank of America Merrill Lynch's corporate and investment banking division. This is giving its global co-head, Christian Meissner, cause for optimism going into 2012, despite the tough markets in Europe and Asia.

Ricardo Martinelli, Panama president

Panama's president means business

December 1, 2011

With an economy on the rise and an influx of new foreign investment, Panama's businessman-turned-president Ricardo Martinelli is planning to push on with taking advantage of the country's location and expanding the Panama Canal, as more ships look to transport goods between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. 

Are CEE bank foreign ownership risks exaggerated?

November 8, 2011
ownership teaser

Banking sectors in central and eastern Europe have some of the highest foreign ownership rates in the world, but risks from eurozone parents could be curtailed by deleveraging since 2008.

Multilatinas herald a new age of Latin American integration

November 1, 2011

Latin America's up-and-coming 'multilatinas' appear to be succeeding where many have previously failed: in achieving a form of unification across the region. However, if the financial sector is to emulate its business counterpart, the tricky task of reaching a broad regulatory consensus will be essential.

Humala_Ollanta_teaser

Political and economic stability set to sustain Peruvian banks' growth

November 1, 2011

With its high economic growth rates and a good macroeconomic performance, Peru faces both the challenge of its number one trading partner, the US, bracing itself for another recession, and the fact that poverty now affects 31% of the South American country's population.