This is far from the most dynamic market in the history of LatAm DCM, but one shop has fought its way to the top, building on five years’ hard work. For the first time ever, HSBC is our Bond House of the Year, and its global reach and heavy balance sheet leave it in a strong position for 2009.
Author Archives: LatinFinance Awards
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BEST PRIMARY EQUITY ISSUE
Despite highly volatile market conditions, the initial public offering of Brazil’s OGX Petroleos in June was a smash hit. The company raised a total of $6.7 billion, making it the largest IPO ever in Brazil.
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BEST LOAN HOUSE
The 12 months through October 2008 marked a turning point for LatAm syndicated loans. The period is characterized by extreme turbulence that rattled its participants, upended deals, and shifted the rankings of leading institutions.
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BEST PRIVATE EQUITY DEAL
Every year LatAm’s fledgling private equity industry witnesses something new like LBOs or the establishment of regionally-focused platform companies, such as Arcos Dorados.
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Best Bank − Argentina: Banco Santander
Positioned to Survive
Santander Río, Argentina’s leading bank in terms of number of clients after the two public ones, is one of the most profitable financial institutions in the country. All banks in Argentina had their reputations tarnished during the 2001 economic crisis but Santander Río has one of the best images locally.
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Best Bank − Panama: Banco General
General Still Commands
It has been over a year since Panama’s Banco General completed integration with Banco Comercial, creating a national champion with $7.2 billion in assets, 21% of the system’s private loans and 25% of local deposits. With HSBC still working to fully consolidate Banistmo, General still has a dominant position – for now. It is on this strength that the institution retains the title of LatinFinance Bank of the Year for Panama.
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Best Bank − Bolivia: Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz
BMSC Wrestles Conflict
Banco Mercantil Santa Cruz (BMSC), Bolivia’s biggest bank, says the recent social unrest has not yet impacted on the economy or the banking system. However, the bank, which has 235,000 clients and 57 branches throughout Bolivia, believes that could change.
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Best Bank − Puerto Rico: First BanCorp
Up in a Downturn
Despite an ongoing local recession that has lasted more than two years, FirstBank Puerto Rico during the past 12 months has grown assets, market share and deposits. In the near future it may continue to grow through acquisitions, but there is also a possibility that it will be swallowed by Scotiabank.
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Best Bank − Colombia: Banco de Bogotá
Mighty Challenger
The executive suite of Banco de Bogotá’s headquarters has one of the best views of Colombia’s capital. Alejandro Figueroa Jaramillo, the bank’s president, has just delivered first half performance figures to the board, which includes members of Grupo Aval, the majority owner of the bank and Colombia’s largest financial conglomerate. As he sits down for a rare interview – his aides say Figueroa does not speak to local press – he is interrupted by an urgent note from his assistant.
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Best Bank – Trinidad and Tobago: Republic Bank
Energizing the Base
After an unsuccessful foray into the Dominican Republic, Republic Bank has curtailed regional expansion plans and is focusing on Trinidad and Tobago. It sold its Dominican assets to BHD in October 2007 and has since greatly improved risk management.