Forty-four per cent of Spanish bank BBVA’s 2005 attributable net profit came from Latin America. There is both a downside to this – excessive dependence on a risky region – and an upside – an incredible opportunity to leverage a strong franchise.

Karina Robinson canvasses the CEOs of four of Mexico’s top five banks as the country looks increasingly set to elect a less banker-friendly president.

A crisis lies in waiting for Mexico in the shape of its frontrunning presidential candidate. Karina Robinson reports from Mexico City on the likely risk scenarios.

Despite international progress on microfinancing initiatives and good results in Mexico’s microcredit industry, Mexican banks are still not keen to lend to the poor. Monica Campbell reports from Mexico City.

Luis Ernesto Derbez, Mexico’s foreign minister, tells Karina Robinson of the lessons learned by the outgoing administration of Vicente Fox.

Banorte
Luis Peña Kegel, CEO

As the main political parties choose their candidates for next year’s presidential election, Monica Campbell reports on the contenders, and prospects for the economy and investment if they succeed.

Banorte, Mexico’s fifth-largest bank, is doing well under the leadership of chief executive Luis Peña Kegel.Monica Campbell reports from Mexico City.
These days, Luis Peña Kegel, the 45-year old chief executive of Banorte, has reason to relax in his spacious Mexico City office. Talk about a strong year. In the second quarter of 2005, Banorte delivered earnings totalling $192m, a 249% jump compared to the same 2004 period.

Credit cards are becoming more popular in Mexico but banks have barely scratched the surface of the potential customer base. Monica Campbell reports from Mexico City on how lenders are grabbing a share of this huge market.
While Mexicans do not yet face the blizzard of credit card deals seen in wealthier nations, the credit card culture there is catching on fast and commercial banks are jockeying to get their share of the action.

Francisco Gil Diaz, Finance Secretary, Mexico