Are banks fulfulling their moral role?

There is growing concern that Venezuela’s banks are ignoring their private credit portfolios and relying instead on government paper, says Mike Ceaser. What happens when a nation’s banking system loses all of its customers except one? When that nation is Venezuela, and the customer is the government, the banks thrive. But the morals of this tactic and itseffect on the nation’s economy are being questioned.“Not having access to international markets, which had a very high cost, the state turned to the internal market”

Crisis? What crisis?

Political upheaval can translate into easy money for the financial sector – despite what the bankers might say, argues Jonathan Wheatley.

Safe spot for investment

Monica Campbell reports from Mexico City on why investment bankers’ optimism has not been dented by the slumping economy and political frustration.

Holding out for a virtuous circle

Evolution is the aim

Brazil rates Lula

Is Lula delivering on his promises?

Peace of mind

Investor incentives

Uruguay’s finance chief quits despite recovery

California privacy act may aid money launderers

Hatches, matches and dispatches

Adopting the greenback brings mixed fortunes

Rolling with the punches

Weighed down by money laundering controls

Playing to local strengths

Power projects feel the squeeze

Pension funds squeeze banks out of equation

Ripples from across the pond

El Dorado finally emerges

Spanish banks in Colombia were burnt by the economic downturn, but domestic and foreign players consider the worst to be over.