With tax evasion, money laundering and finances for terrorism often concealed in offshore shell companies, the US is introducing rules to shine a light on the owners of these anonymous companies. But the government will not have an easy ride in bringing in the changes across all states, writes Jane Monahan. 

Luis Alberto Arce, Bolivia’s economy minister, tells Jane Monahan how the country's government is attempting to diversify its economy away from its dependence on raw materials. 

The first-quarter results of the US's largest banks exemplifies the difficulties being felt in the fixed-income, currencies and commodities trading space. However, unlike some of their European counterparts, US lenders are not pulling out of the business entirely. Jane Monahan investigates why. 

The IMF's quota system – which heavily favours the G7 countries – has long been deemed outdated by the BRICS countries, among others. But with any hope of immediate reform being held up in US Congress, and alternative institutions being established, the IMF's battle to remain globally relevant is under threat.

Growth in Puerto Rico's economy is sluggish, and its banks have been struggling to find profitable areas. However, a round of mergers and acquisitions – some of them enforced – and opportunities overseas mean that the island's lenders are finding some ways to expand.

GE Capital was once responsible for more than half General Electric’s profit. So why is the conglomerate busy dismantling the international assets of its financial arm?

Private banking and wealth management can be hugely lucrative, bringing in fees and boosting profits in a way that other areas of banking struggle to match. However, increased regulatory pressures and the emergence of newer, cheaper online competitors are shifting the landscape of the market. Jane Monahan examines an industry at a crossroads.

The US's decision to normalise relations with Cuba promises to create new opportunities for American banks looking to expand. But, with the US government's changes still to be finalised, the country's banks are reacting cautiously.

The funding of infrastructure projects by institutional investors is a topic being hotly debated right now. While the hurdles for institutional parties looking at such opportunities are many, there is a growing feeling that in such a low-interest-rate environment, their potentially high yields make them worth the risk and effort.