Venezuela’s ongoing leadership dispute is doing nothing to solve the country's economic woes or stem the outward flood of its impoverished citizens, says Eric Farnsworth of the Council of the Americas and Americas Society.

The scene is set for a leadership change in Venezuela as international sanctions bite. How to handle such a delicate situation is proving tricky for bond holders and foreign investors.

Despite a wealth of natural resources, Venezuela has turned into an economic and humanitarian disaster zone. As it teeters on the edge of default, Silvia Pavoni examines what may become the most complex sovereign debt restructuring in modern times – and a test of how China handles troubled foreign investments.

Venezuela’s economy is in tatters, with sky-high inflation and mass shortages fuelling protests. While banks have made provisions for loan delinquencies, they are hugely reliant on deposits for funds and hamstrung by regulations. Lucinda Elliott reports from Caracas.

Sky-high inflation, a spiralling economy and a bleak foreign exchange environment in which the black market is thriving are presenting Venezuela's banks with one of the toughest tasks in global financial circles just to stay in business. Jason Mitchell looks at how those still standing are managing to cope.

The Banker’s Top 200 Latin American banks ranking for 2014 sees Brazilian institutions stay on top, while Argentina maintains its status as most profitable, despite mounting challenges.