Panama retains its position as one of the best markets for banking in Central America, but success stories can also be found in Nicaragua and Guatemala.
While BAC Panama remained in top position, other Colombian-owned lenders fared less well in the Top 100 Central American Banks ranking, leaving the way open for Panamanian, Costa Rican and Guatemalan banks to make up ground.
While Panama's banks held their lead as the biggest banks in Central America, Nicaragua steamed ahead in terms of return on capital and return on assets.
Nicaragua's finance minister tells The Banker how government efforts to attract foreign direct investment to the relatively untapped energy sector are seen as crucial if the region is finally to shake itself out of poverty. Writer Silvia Pavoni
Nicaragua’s apparently reformed ex-Marxist president is enjoying some success courting private business and international lenders in his quest to combat poverty. Local banks are also doing well. Jane Monahan reports from Managua.
The outcome of the tussle for ABN AMRO will have a decisive effect on the Brazilian banking scene, which is currently dominated by domestic players. John Rumsey reports.
Nicaragua’s central bank president, Mario Alonso, says that the HIPC debt relief will enable his country to tackle poverty and push for economic and judicial reform.
Monica Campbell on the steps Nicaragua is taking to lose its status as one of the region’s most corrupt countries.