Banking: The week in 10 stories

BRAZIL

According to Gustavo Fosse, director of technology and automation at Brazilian banking federation Febraban, fintechs must be linked to banks because of the types of services many of them provide.

Lending in Brazil's financial system contracted at the start of the third quarter mainly due to weak demand from companies.

Brazil's annual inflation slowed in mid-August, reaching its lowest level since March 1999 and providing more room for the central bank to cut interest rates.

MEXICO

Despite the recent political noise from US President Donald Trump, BBVA Research increased its forecast for Mexico's GDP growth in 2017 to 2.2% from its previous estimate of 1.6%, supported by the likely favorable outcome of Nafta re-negotiations.

ARGENTINA-CHILE-ECUADOR

Argentina's economy sustained positive growth in June. Moody's changed its ratings outlook for Chile to 'negative' while Fitch affirmed its ratings for Ecuador with a 'negative' outlook.

MEXICO-PARAGUAY-BOLIVIA

Mexican inflation still rising. Paraguay central bank cut the key rate. Bolivia finance ministry predicts 2H17 growth.

CHILE

State lender BancoEstado issued its first peso-denominated bonds.

BNamericas takes a comprehensive look at the data and the players of the banking sector in Latin America's sixth largest economy.

PERU

The prospect of stronger economic growth in the Andean nation is boosting the confidence of companies and banking association Asbanc says this is reflected in loan growth figures.

REGIONAL

High-yield corporations in Latin America are facing a more benign scenario this year after seeing a string of defaults last year, according to Fitch.