In response to rising inflation, Guatemala has adjusted its interest rates eight times in the past two years, and is working carefully to co-ordinate its monetary and fiscal policies, explains the president of Banco de Guatemala. Writer John Rumsey .

The Guatemalan economy has big potential, particularly in fuel and food production. The country’s minister of finance talks about his fiscal reform programme and intent to create a sustainable tax base. Writer John Rumsey .

Just as the banking industry’s big names turned their attention towards Guatemala, the credit crisis struck, plunging the country’s modernisation plans into jeopardy. Writer John Rumsey .

M&As have further cut the number of rankable entries in our listing, which remains dominated by Panama.

Guatemala’s poor infrastructure puts off investors and makes the country less able to fully profit from free-trade deals. Monica Campbell explains why, with elections looming, little change is likely for the time being.

Two banks collapse and someone forgets to replenish the nation’s cash supply – tough times for Guatemala’s financial system. But as Monica Campbell reports, there is some cause for optimism.

María Antonieta Del Cid de Bonilla
Finance Minister (2004-2006), Guatemala

Banco Agromercantil may not be Guatemala’s biggest bank and claims less than 10% market share, but it is one of the healthiest and most profitable institutions in the country.

Guatemala’s growing banking sector needs to consolidate to remain competitive, especially as foreign banks are eyeing up the country. Monica Campbell reports from Guatemala City.