Since the onset of the financial crisis, Europe-based international banks such as HSBC and Santander have been scaling down operations in Latin America. This has created myriad opportunities for emerging regional financial players, which have lost no time in filling the gaps left by the European retreat.

The Asian city state of Singapore attracted more foreign investment in its financial sector than any other IFC in the world over the past year. Geneva, Edinburgh and Glasgow were notable risers in the ranking, while troubled Madrid lost significant ground.

International banking groups have traditionally been the main players in Central America but as markets begin to grow, in nearby Colombia in particular, local lenders are increasing their profits, acquiring foreign-owned subsidiaries and establishing a greater presence in the market.

Despite volatility in equity capital markets the world over, Brazil continues to make a compelling investment case. And in 2012, twice as many new names are expected to debut on Bovespa than did in 2011, driven by the consumer and infrastructure sectors. For international banks wanting to win mandates competition will be tougher than ever, as Brazilian players continue to dominate the equity market.

Itaú BBA International has outlined a new strategy that leverages both its global presence and its Latin American expertise. Its head of corporate banking for North America, Europe and Asia, Renato Lulia-Jacob, explains why in an increasingly globalised and competitive market, the bank has chosen to position itself in this way.

Paris tops The Banker’s Top 25 assets table for bank holding companies, while Hong Kong takes the number one spot in its foreign-owned subsidiaries counterpart.