The administration of Argentine president Mauricio Macri has largely impressed international observers and those within the finance industry with its market-friendly policies. The government's priority, however, remains turning around the country's economy, something its banks will play a role in. Jason Mitchell reports.

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.

Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez has ushered in massive changes to the country's banking sector, nationalising or closing banks, while introducing community banking terminals in slum areas to make banking more accessible. But is this level of public spending sustainable?

A booming economy is behind the record income for Argentinian banks last year but growing inflation is placing the sustainability of these profits in doubt.

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.

With bank lending drying up last year, many Latin American corporates turned to the bond market to strengthen their cash positions. The resulting boom has instilled a sense of confidence in the region, with firms in Brazil, Mexico and Colombia leading the way. Writer Jason Mitchell

Chile's new right-wing government has promised to sustain the country's growth trajectory with a series of reforms, aimed at diversifying its economy, which is highly dependent on the copper industry, and improving conditions for SMEs. Writer Jason Mitchell

The 'soap opera' surrounding the protracted dismissal of the Argentine central bank governor by president Cristina Kirchner has damaged the country's international image and highlighted major weaknesses within its institutions. Writer Jason Mitchell

With one of the most liberalised economies in the world, prudent policies, and trading links with the Far East, Chile is poised to emerge from the downturn as a Latin American front-runner. Writer Jason Mitchell