Venezuela's banks survive in the face of adversity

Hands-on leadership: Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has come under criticism for his involvement in the country's banking sectorHands-on leadership: Venezuela's President Hugo Chavez has come under criticism for his involvement in the country's banking sector

A casual glance at Venezuela's banking sector would suggest that it is in good health. However, intervention from president Hugo Chavez's government is threatening the stability of the country's financial environment. Writer Brian Caplen

Venezuela thrives despite government restrictions

Venezuela has grabbed many headlines in recent months, ranging from national and international political diatribes, to drug wars, to president Hugo Chavez's intrusion in private sector deals.

Brazilian merger shuffles Latin American pack

The top Latin American banks are, as usual, headed by Brazilian lenders. And it is in Brazil that the biggest growth story took place last year. Banco Itaú and Unibanco merged in November 2008, forming the largest bank in the country.

Winners and Losers in LATAM

Nick Rischbieth, president of the Central American Bank for Economic IntegrationNick Rischbieth, president of the Central American Bank for Economic Integration

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

Chávez takes on banking sector

President Hugo Chávez’s decision to nationalise Banco de Venezuela has come at a time when government-bank relations are uneasy following a Ministry of Finance crackdown on foreign exchange controls. Writer Jane Monahan.


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