The governor of Peru's Central Reserve Bank tells The Banker how the country has sustained growth in the face of global turmoil - and why it will be prepared for any further shockwaves in the shape of a European sovereign debt crisis. Writer Silvia Pavoni

Banks that ignore the huge numbers of people who remain outside the financial system may be missing an opportunity to improve their image and increase their profits. Silvia Pavoni reports.

Nicaragua's finance minister tells The Banker how government efforts to attract foreign direct investment to the relatively untapped energy sector are seen as crucial if the region is finally to shake itself out of poverty. Writer Silvia Pavoni

As appetite for equity slowly returns to the world's markets, private banking clients remain shy of structured products. And if they are to be tempted back to this once-booming sector, there must be a shift towards more transparent and less complex products. Writer Silvia Pavoni

Luis Alberto Moreno, president of the Inter-American Development Bank - the international body which supports the growth of Latin America and the Caribbean - outlines his short-term and long-term priorities. Writer Silvia Pavoni

All but three of the Top 75 central American banks remained in profit last year according to The Banker's ranking, with Panama recording stand-out results.

Using hard data to gauge which international finance centres are leading the world, The Banker's ranking tables make for some fascinating - and often surprising - insights. Writer Silvia Pavoni

Despite Malaysia's reticence in establishing itself as a globally recognised financial centre, it is now moving forward fast. Bank Negara Malaysia governor Dr Zeti Akhtar Aziz discusses the role of Islamic finance products in the country's push. Writer Silvia Pavoni