Aite Group reports on US banks’ small business strategies while the Microfinance Information Exchange unveils benchmarks.

Banks that co-operate with Venezuela’s government can make good profits, but some fear a total takeover of the banking system is the true game plan. John Rumsey explains.

Héctor Valdez Albizu, governor of the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, tells Jules Stewart how controlling the money supply has led to financial stability.

The Dominican Republic has made a startlingly fast return to financial good health but concerns over governance and unemployment remain. Jules Stewart explains.

Felipe Larraín assesses whether policies by certain Latin American populist governments could undermine present price stability and usher in a return of the high inflations of the 1980s.

The tough attitude of the Russian government is in contrast with the softer tones in Brazil and India, where a number of PPP projects are being developed.

Bankers are looking at the BRIC countries to expand their business and to boost public private partnership portfolios. Which are the most appealing locations? Silvia Pavoni, John Rumsey, Ben Aris and Kala Rao report on the state of PPP development in Brazil, Russia, China and India .

Brazil’s approach to economic stability has a strong social priority, with lower inflation and greater job creation benefiting even the poorest citizens, says Henrique de Campos Meirelles.

Mexico’s president Felipe Calderón has put last year’s rocky election behind him by implementing a package of measures designed to put his country back on a firm financial footing. Monica Campbell reports.

Local medium-sized banks have used the risky times of Argentina’s financial crisis to put their growth and expansion strategies into action. Karina Robinson reports from Buenos Aires.