Brazil’s banks have long experience of steering through choppy financial waters and were able to anticipate the country’s current difficulties with a range of pragmatic and forward-looking measures that have rewarded them with increased profits in a shrinking economy. 

After BTG Pactual's chief executive, André Esteves, was arrested – if not charged – late last year, the bank’s managers were quick to limit any reputational damage, which included embarking upon a new strategic direction. Brian Caplen charts a turbulent few months for the lender.

The Banker’s Top 200 Latin American banks ranking for 2014 sees Brazilian institutions stay on top, while Argentina maintains its status as most profitable, despite mounting challenges. 

Flat growth, heavy public spending and a corruption scandal at state-owned energy giant Petrobras have dented Brazil’s appeal to international investors, but Joaquim Levy, the country’s finance minister, is working to turn its fortunes around.

With flat economic growth depressing businesses and a wide-reaching corruption scandal scaring off capital market investors, how will the next few months pan out for Brazilian corporates and deal-makers? 

Trade finance is emerging as a key part of the Latin American banking business model and is bound to be a hot topic on the agenda at this year's Felaban annual meeting being held in Colombia in November. Ahead of this, The Banker speaks to experts about the challenges and opportunities that this growing business line is creating in the Latin American market.