Guatemala's banks have been having a hard time of late, but if any of them is going to be an agent for the consolidation and strengthening of the banking sector, it's likely to be Banco de Occidente.
Established in 1881, it is the oldest bank in central America. It recently received a $10 million vote of confidence from the International Finance Corporation, an arm of the World Bank, which went straight to strengthening its capital base.
Although it managed to eke out only a $4 million profit in 2002, Banco de Occidente is now well positioned for growth.