The Banking & Insurance sector – often referred to as the lifeblood of the real economy – is of vital importance in the modern credit-driven economic growth model. Among its functions are intermediation between savers and borrowers, ensuring funds are allocated efficiently; support of payment and settlement systems that facilitate trade and international economic relations; and provision of various products that mitigate risk and uncertainty. The accelerating pace of technological change, stricter regulation and shifting consumer habits are reshaping the traditional banking model and pushing the sector towards innovation-led growth.
Activities associated with Banking & Insurance are depositary and non-depositary credit intermediation and related activities, investment banking, securities brokerage, commodity contracts dealing and diverse financial investment activities. The sector also includes insurers, re-insurers and insurance brokerages, pension funds, health and welfare funds, monetary authorities, stock exchanges, and collection and credit agencies.
Brazil's transportation sector is a fundamental pillar of the economy, supporting the country's position as a global leader in agricultural and mineral exports. In 2023, the transportation and logistics sector contributed 3.1% to Brazil's GDP, while ...
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In Q2 2024, Colombia's GDP grew by 2.1% y/y in real terms, which was partly due to stronger household consumption growth, accelerating from 0.3% y/y in Q1 2024 to 1.2% y/y in Q2 2024. Despite a modest upturn, the commerce sector continues to face ...
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Brazil's transport infrastructure sector has seen an influx of private players following several waves of privatisation that began in the late 1990s, and looks set to continue with various actions promoted by the federal government to attract private ...
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Africa is increasingly turning to renewable sources to tackle its energy problems. Energy poverty in Africa remains widespread and according to the African Development Bank (AfDB) over 640mn of the continent's population lack access to energy. This ...
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Brazil's pharmaceutical and healthcare sector is navigating the post-pandemic period with some positives but also quite a few challenges. Among the positives is a sharp rise in public health spending observed in 2021-2023 compared to the pre-pandemic ...
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The electric power sector is a crucial driver of economic development and employment growth in 'energy-demanding' Indonesia, employing around 320,000 people as of 2023. The country's power generation mix is heavily dominated by coal, which accounts ...
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In 2023, Ecuador was the eighth largest telecoms market in Latin America in terms of the mobile connectivity rate, and the fifth largest in terms of 4G penetration, according to the GSMA. The telecommunication sector in Ecuador has undergone rapid ...
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