World’s Best Investment Banks 2026: Latin America

Why It Matters

The performance of these banks signals deepening capital flows into Latin America, reinforcing the region’s role as a growth engine for global investors. Strong M&A, equity and debt activity also validates recent economic reforms and privatization drives.

Key Takeaways

• BTG Pactual led Latin America M&A with $15 bn deal volume in 2025.
• Itaú BBA captured 24% ECM market share, highlighted $196 m Aura Minerals IPO.
• Bradesco BBI coordinated Brazil’s $2.5 bn 2035 sovereign dollar bond.
• BTG Pactual issued over $159 bn DCM, including $2 bn Cosan capital raise.
• Sector focus remains renewable energy, tech, and infrastructure despite regional challenges.

Pulse Analysis

Latin America’s investment banking landscape is gaining momentum as reforms, privatizations and improved regulatory frameworks attract foreign capital. The region’s appetite for renewable energy, technology and infrastructure projects fuels deal flow, while elevated interest rates push corporates toward fixed‑income solutions. Rankings from Global Finance highlight how local banks are capitalizing on these trends, positioning the market as a strategic destination for global investors seeking diversification and growth.

BTG Pactual stands out as the clear frontrunner, delivering $15 bn in M&A transactions, $2 bn in equity deals and a staggering $159 bn in debt issuances during 2025. Signature transactions include the $2.6 bn BRF‑Marfrig merger, a $2 bn capital raise for Cosan and advisory roles on multi‑billion‑real deals across the food and energy sectors. This breadth of activity showcases the bank’s capacity to structure complex, cross‑border deals and underscores its pivotal role in channeling capital into high‑growth industries.

Itaú BBA and Bradesco BBI complement the ecosystem with strong equity and debt capabilities. Itaú’s 24% share of ECM work, driven by the $196 m Aura Minerals IPO and a $226 m secondary offering for Caixa Seguridade, reflects renewed investor confidence. Meanwhile, Bradesco’s leadership on major debentures, a $591 m FIDC and the $2.5 bn sovereign dollar bond demonstrates its expertise in navigating high‑interest environments. Together, these banks are shaping a resilient financing pipeline that will support Latin America’s economic expansion over the coming years.