Foreign policy, fiscal pressures, financial reforms and far-reaching litigation are all provoking a flow of cases that threaten to overburden international banks doing business in the US. But the banks are fighting back. Philip Alexander reports.
Americas
Latest articles from Americas
Bond boom fires up Latin America
March 3, 2010With 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
Argentina: Sacking of central bank governor damages country's reputation
March 3, 2010The 'soap opera' surrounding the protracted dismissal of the Argentine central bank governor by president Cristina Kirchner has damaged the country's international image and highlighted major weaknesses within its institutions. Writer Jason Mitchell
Brazilian banks tread cautiously on expansion
March 3, 2010Recent rumours about Brazilian bank expansion would suggest that the country's main players are thinking big. Itaú Unibanco in particular has been linked with a number of deals across the globe, while Banco do Brasil is believed to be considering a move into Argentina. The reality, however, looks likely to be much more prosaic. Writer John Rumsey
Will Chile's right turn mean business?
March 3, 2010Chile's new right-wing government has promised to sustain the country's growth trajectory with a series of reforms, aimed at diversifying its economy, which is highly dependent on the copper industry, and improving conditions for SMEs. Writer Jason Mitchell
IDB focuses on LatAm inequality
March 3, 2010Luis Alberto Moreno, president of the Inter-American Development Bank - the international body which supports the growth of Latin America and the Caribbean - outlines his short-term and long-term priorities. Writer Silvia Pavoni
Panama shows the way in Top 75 central American banks
March 3, 2010All but three of the Top 75 central American banks remained in profit last year according to The Banker's ranking, with Panama recording stand-out results.
Argentine reserves row rocks investor confidence
February 1, 2010Argentina's president Cristina Fernández de Kirchner's decision to request central bank governor Martin Redrado's resignation has led to international investor concern about the monetary authority's independence.
Multicultural banking
February 1, 2010Scotiabank's need to provide a more rounded service for its customers across the globe led to a co-operation with Western Union, which has developed over the past 18 months. As the Canadian bank's managing director of core deposits and payments acknowledges, this arrangement has been mutually beneficial.
Canada's rare euro excursion pays off
February 1, 2010Canada, rarely observed in the international bond markets, sparked intense interest at the beginning of the year with its debut euro-denominated 10-year bond issue. Will there be more sightings to come, or is this just a one-time foray? Writer Edward Russell-Walling