China's quest to meet its natural resources needs has been largely concentrated on Africa, but its presence in Latin America has been creeping up over the past decade. Latam governments, however, are proving to be less co-operative than their African counterparts. 

Fears expressed recently that a credit bubble is emerging in Brazil have been dismissed by bankers in the country. However, there are other risks to the country's economy that do concern them.

Two central counterparties are currently being built to clear foreign exchange options. There is a great deal of preparation to be done.

Though the Central American banking sector shows some mixed results, The Banker's ranking demonstrates just why the region's leading banks are drawing global attention.

Once renowned as one of the most dangerous countries on the planet, Colombia has tackled much of its drug-related problems and boasts one of the best-performing economies in Latin America, which is attracting international investment and in turn creating myriad opportunities for the country's banks.

The recently approved merger of Banorte and Ixe might not spur a consolidation trend within Mexico's locally owned banks but it is a positive sign of change as the market seeks out growth opportunities and increased liquidity.

Colombia's finance minister, Juan Carlos Echeverry, has every reason to be enthusiastic about his country's future but he is careful not to be complacent, knowing only too well that an economic boom can lead to bust.

A booming economy is behind the record income for Argentinian banks last year but growing inflation is placing the sustainability of these profits in doubt.