Financial integration in Latin America : a new strategy for a new normal

Many factors indicate that now may be the time for Latin American economies to work toward greater regional financial integration. Integration, with appropriate management of the risks, could bring needed diversification to Latin American financial sectors, and set the stage for further integration into the global economy as conditions permit. This book examines the financial landscapes of seven Latin American economies (LA-7): Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, and Uruguay, and makes a case for them to pursue regional financial integration. With growth slowing across much of the region resulting from the end of the commodity super-cycle and economic rebalancing in China, as well as fragmentation of the international banking system, policies to stimulate growth are needed. Chapters set out the benefits to the region of financial integration, the barriers to cross-border activity in banks, insurance companies, pension funds, and capital markets, as well as recommendations to address these barriers. Finally, the authors make the case that regional integration now could be a step toward global integration in the short term