Latin America and Caribbean

As the pool of fintech startups in Latin America deepens, ambitious founders have regional expansion in their sights. But varying regulations and difficulty accessing capital make such growth difficult.

For the first time since HSBC’s acquisition of a Mexican bank in 2002, its franchise is enjoying positive momentum. Country chief Nuno Matos says more customers and a new culture are key to getting the bank’s market share back.

Banks have found it hard to lend to Mexico’s large SME segment, but persistence is beginning to pay off for those with the requisite focus – and skills.

With presidential elections and the threat to Nafta hanging over Mexico, international investors pared risk to the country and deal flow slowed. Finally, clarity is returning and the prospects for capital markets activity are looking better. But could Amlo’s presidency change prospects?

The informal economy in effect blocks growth, so why is no one proposing tax and social security reform to bring workers and companies into the formal sector?

Recent growth puts Banorte ahead of its 2020 targets; strong cash generation expected to lead to greater 2019 dividends.

Regulatory changes to Brazil’s positive credit bureau open way for fintech start-up; better data predicted to lead to lower cost credit and GDP growth.

Investors hoping new president adopts pragmatic approach; proposed referendum raises more questions than answers.

President-elect cuts pay, uses new level as public-sector ceiling; BNP Paribas expanding in Mexico.

Any slowdown in the economy of the country that consumes so much local output will bring short-term pain and should be a long-term warning.

Restricting Itaú’s purchase of XP is good for competition.

Bradesco Asset Management is the third-largest asset manager in Brazil, with R$600 billion AuM. In March, it appointed a new chief executive with an equities background. Is this a sign of where the organization expects the money to go?

Markets take Andrés Manuel López Obrador (Amlo) victory in stride; analysis shows Santander could outperform under next administration.

The bulge-bracket firms are back in Latin America – and their resolve will surely be tested over the next 12 months.

The industry needs a change in the macroeconomic environment.

Investment bank steps in as BNDES stops crowding out; an important first in local-denominated financing of large project puts down marker.

A strengthening dollar is going to make life harder for emerging markets, whether you want to hear it or not.

There’s an old joke about a tourist approaching a local to ask for directions: The local considers, sucks on his teeth for a while and replies “I wouldn’t start off from here if I were you”.

Managed marine protected areas are an effective tool in coastal ocean conservation. They are also ripe to be included in investment structures. The upsides for everyone may help push the protected area of the world’s seas from 2% to 30% by 2030.

Bracher admits “severe pressure” to reduce spreads; credit portfolios tilting to SME and consumer segments.

Ground shifts under banks’ move to normalization; financial, economic and political uncertainties to dominate boardrooms.

It is one thing to simplify a business plan but quite another to execute it. Nevertheless, Citi appears to be on the verge of making its new simple approach, well, simple.

The country has blown its chances with its monetary mess.

Professor Niall Ferguson visited São Paulo in April to address Itaú’s annual MacroVision conference, and found time to sit down with Euromoney to talk fintech, social media and trade. In particular he focused on China and how it will impact Latin America’s future.

International investors blame political uncertainty; locals view sell-off as weakening carry-trade dynamics.

Have the vision. Create the plan. Go and do it.

Recent conversations with bankers and economists in Brazil have been confusing – sometimes it is hard to believe that both groups are talking about the same country.

The blueprint for BNDES is for a development bank that partners with the private sector to facilitate more socially beneficial projects while using less capital. Eliane Lustosa, BNDES director of capital markets, is at the forefront of this challenge.

Risk not commensurate with project debt returns; investment crucial to fill gap as economy normalizes.

'Abundant' potential liquidity from international insurance companies and pension funds; with drop in rates, local capital markets financing is now cheaper than BNDES.