A booming economy is behind the record income for Argentinian banks last year but growing inflation is placing the sustainability of these profits in doubt.

Despite the twin threats of the worst drought to strike South America in decades and the continuing fallout from global financial crisis, Argentina's lenders have survived relatively unscathed. And now a debt swap offer could allow the country to access international credit markets. Writer Silvia Pavoni

With 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

The '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

Argentina'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.