Many of Latin America's high-net-worth individuals are repatriating their funds and an increasing number of foreign investors are targeting the region, thanks to its rapidly expanding economy. With such demand for local product providers, domestic firms are finding themselves having to pit their specialist knowledge against the international reach of large foreign banks, making competition tough.

With its high economic growth rates and a good macroeconomic performance, Peru faces both the challenge of its number one trading partner, the US, bracing itself for another recession, and the fact that poverty now affects 31% of the South American country's population.

Peru's central bank governor, Julio Velarde, explains that with increasing levels of private investment, there is potential for further growth in the country.

The governor of Peru's Central Reserve Bank tells The Banker how the country has sustained growth in the face of global turmoil - and why it will be prepared for any further shockwaves in the shape of a European sovereign debt crisis. Writer Silvia Pavoni

Political and economic turbulence has long afflicted Peru's reputation, but having finally found a way of using its natural resources to the country's best advantage, the scale of its rising prosperity has international investors excited. Writer Silvia Pavoni

With bank lending drying up last year, many Latin American corporates turned to the bond market to strengthen their cash positions. The resulting boom has instilled a sense of confidence in the region, with firms in Brazil, Mexico and Colombia leading the way. Writer Jason Mitchell

Peru's finance minister talks about his commitment to a market-led economy and discusses the policies which he believes will transform the country into a major player on the world stage. Writer Jason Mitchell

While the Western world has been struggling through the global financial crisis, Latin America has shown a remarkable resilience to the upheaval. Two countries in particular - Colombia and Peru - are showing particularly impressive growth, and look set to become important emerging economies. Writer Jason Mitchell

Some of the multilateral development banks in the Latin Americas region are proving stellar sources of funding at this time of crisis, although others are lagging behind with depleted reserves. Writer Jane Monahan