He first did it for Continental Illinois (now part of Bank of America) before the debt crisis. Then he did it for Bear Stearns. Afterwards he did it for Morgan Stanley. Now he hopes to do it for Deutsche Bank.

How do you get to be in charge of all of Latin America for a major Wall Street bank by the age of 35? Do a great a job as head of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) is the answer in the case of Nicolás Aguzín.

Jane Monahan in La Paz explores the paradox of radical Evo Morales boosting the county’s banking sector.
If it was just officials in the 10-month old Bolivian government of President Evo Morales who expressed optimism about the landlocked country’s prospects, it might not be so convincing.

Marcos Martínez, head of the Association of Mexican Banks and CEO of Santander México, believes reforms will be back on track soon, now that a vote recount has confirmed conservative Felipe Calderón as the country’s new president.

Last year, Wachovia took a significant gamble with its heavy investment in equities and advisory. Now it is beginning to pay off, as its head of corporate and investment banking explains to Kathryn Tully.

In the Americas, the strength and scope of Goldman Sachs’ franchise make it a clear winner. If it is judged by league table positions, it is top in mergers and acquisitions (M&A) and equity capital markets, and in the top five for debt capital markets.

Colombia’s capital markets may be on the up but legal barriers are hindering their development. Jason Mitchell reports.

Uruguay’s free trade zone, Zonamerica, is bringing in much-needed investment, although it has its critics. Monica Campbell reports.

Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay continues to be dogged by its state-owned status and weak demand for credit. Jason Mitchell reports from Montevideo.

Danilo Astori, finance minister of Uruguay, tells The Banker of his optimism regarding a settlement of the pulp mill row and why Mercosur members should be free to make bilateral trade agreements with whoever they choose.