Brazilian infrastructure is in desperate need of investment if it is to support the country's growing economy. But with restrictions on foreign investment, limited public and domestic funding and opposition to further development from environmentalists, taking advantage of the plethora of opportunities in this sector is not straightforward.

Brazil may be the world’s seventh largest economy in terms of gross domestic product, but its legislation and taxation policies, not to mention its infrastructure, still needs a lot of work if the country is to realise its full potential.

Brazil is undergoing a renaissance, with its improving standards of living and a consumer credit boom. The next challenge is to secure longer-term funding for the fledgling mortgage market and reduce interest rates.

Brazilian oil company Petrobras is planning to take advantage of the changing world order in currency terms by reducing its reliance on the US dollar in favour of the euro and sterling markets.

Armed with new capital, BTG Pactual has been busy deal-making this year under the direction of CEO Andre Esteves.

Fears expressed recently that a credit bubble is emerging in Brazil have been dismissed by bankers in the country. However, there are other risks to the country's economy that do concern them.

Business is booming for the wealth management sector in Brazil. Large domestic banks still dominate the industry but international players have found plenty of scope to move in on this expanding market.