Increased competition from public sector banks, criticism from the president, a weakening economy and aggressive interest rate cuts are combining to make life difficult for Brazil's private banks. Will an efficiency drive see them emerge leaner, smarter and stronger?
Americas
Latest articles from Americas
Itaú BBA maintains a local focus
February 27, 2013A wealth of opportunities are opening up in Latin American debt capital markets, but Itaú BBA’s head of investment banking is keen to ensure that the bank does not neglect its still-lucrative domestic market while chasing these opportunities.
Clever thinking raises Chile's economic profile
February 27, 2013Smart regulation and innovative local lenders have helped build Chile's economic might. And with plans to link the country's stock exchange to the exchanges in Peru, Colombia and Mexico, the country is mounting an attack on Brazil's economic dominance in Latin America.
Chile's central bank governor keeps calm on currency
February 27, 2013The expansionary monetary policies of developed countries is making life difficult for those in the developing world. So says Chile's central bank governor, who is keen to resist a 'currency war' – for now – and also tells The Banker why central bank independence is of great importance.
Top 100 Central American banks: Panama maintains its lead
February 27, 2013While 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.
Don't take revenge on the raters for sovereign downgrades
February 25, 2013Sovereigns taking action against rating agencies are aiming at the wrong target.
Banks to watch in 2013, Banco Davivenda
February 1, 2013The Banker has identified 13 banks to keep an eye on in the coming year based on a variety of factors. Colombia-based Banco Davivenda has impressed was selected for its ambitious expansion strategy.
Banks to watch in 2013, Corpbanca
February 1, 2013The Banker has identified 13 banks to keep an eye on in the coming year based on a variety of factors. Chile-based Corpbanca made a daring move into Colombia in 2012, making it one to watch in 2013.
Banks to watch in 2013, Silicon Valley Bank
February 1, 2013The Banker has identified 13 banks to keep an eye on in the coming year based on a variety of factors. US-based Silicon Valley Bank's launch of its full-service bank in London, targeting what it calls innovation companies, makes it one to watch.
MasterCard makes innovation pay
February 1, 2013The breadth of MasterCard's portfolio of payment solutions would have been unimaginable when the president of global technology and operations at MasterCard Technologies, Robert Reeg, started his career, but with 85% of global transactions still in cash, he explains the importance of pressing ahead with yet more innovation.