Although Brazil's largest four banks remain well clear of the pack in Latin America, there were promising developments in Colombia, Mexico and Venezuela in 2012.
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Latest articles from Brazil
How will Brazil's private banks see off multiple challenges?
February 27, 2013Increased 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?
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.
Emerging market banks stake claims in commodities
December 3, 2012With balance sheet clean-ups continuing in Europe and the US, banks in emerging markets have grabbed the opportunity to forge stronger relationships with local commodity producers.
Top Latin American banks ranking, 2012
November 1, 2012While the top 10 Latin American banks remain unchanged from 2011, it is the region's smaller operations that are leading the pack in terms of profitability and returns.
Foreign-owned subsidiaries take root in Latin America
November 1, 2012Latin America's buoyant economies are attracting a slew of foreign institutions, with banks from within Latin America itself and from further afield establishing substantial networks across the continent. Unsurprisingly, the largest foreign-owned subsidiary presence is in Brazil, but the large domestic market has quelled Brazilian banks' ambitions elsewhere and it is Colombian lenders that are forging ahead with cross-border acquisitions.
Asia and Latin America: a special relationship in the making?
November 1, 2012With advanced economies still languishing in the doldrums, trade between Asia and Latin America is driving global economic growth, and it appears that this blossoming relationship is mutually beneficial. However, could protectionist policies in Latin America dampen this ardour?
Brazil and Mexico still top draws for Latam financial FDI
November 1, 2012São Paulo may have retained its position as the leading financial centre in Latin America with regards to financial services activity, but the most impressive deal was pulled off in Mexico.
São Paulo and Santiago: the David and Goliath of Latin America's asset management industry
October 1, 2012Both Santiago and São Paulo are making significant strides towards becoming Latin America's foremost asset management hub. The Chilean capital has extensive experience, while the Brazilian metropolis already boasts the sixth largest asset management industry in the world. However, both are seeing their progress stunted by regulatory and taxation issues.
Brazil's small banks face big decisions
October 1, 2012The small and medium-sized banks of Brazil have faced a series of challenges in recent years, from fraud scandals to adapting to international accounting standards. In light of this, the country's government has attempted to offer some sort of salvation in the shape of its Special Guaranteed Time Deposits, but is this a short-term solution to a long-term problem?