In the depths of the Amazon, market power takes unexpected forms. Far from the corporate boardrooms of São Paulo or New York, economic concentration can determine whether small producers thrive, whether forests stand, and whether communities escape poverty. Two recent studies on the Amazon—one on fishing communities, the other on the cattle industry—show how unequal … [Read more...] about When Market Power Meets the Rainforest
Microeconomics and Competitiveness
The Dilemmas of Boosting Water and Sewer Access
In recent years, several countries in Latin America have sought to enlist private investment to the task of expanding piped water and sewage systems. Millions of people in the region still lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation, and with governments short on money to provide the necessary infrastructure, private investment has been seen by policymakers as a … [Read more...] about The Dilemmas of Boosting Water and Sewer Access
Paying Digital: The Changing Landscape of Everyday Transactions
Just a few years ago, buying a coffee or paying for groceries in Latin America almost always meant reaching for cash. Fast forward to 2025, and the landscape has dramatically shifted: digital payments for in-person purchases have nearly tripled in market share, jumping from 11% in 2020 to 30% in 2024. This isn’t just a tech trend; it’s a transformation in how people live, work, … [Read more...] about Paying Digital: The Changing Landscape of Everyday Transactions
Beyond Cash: The Digital Payments Revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean
Latin America and the Caribbean is undergoing a transformative shift in digital payments. Between 2019 and 2023, the average number of electronic transactions in the region grew threefold. This surge in the way in which transactions are made in the region coincides with a strong preference for digital payment methods. According to the Inter-American Development Bank's landmark … [Read more...] about Beyond Cash: The Digital Payments Revolution in Latin America and the Caribbean
Financial Literacy for the Digital Age
In today’s rapidly evolving and technologically complex financial landscape, financial literacy is no longer a luxury. As digital platforms reshape how individuals save, spend, borrow, and invest, the ability to understand and manage personal finances has become a core life skill. Financial literacy empowers individuals to make informed decisions. It helps avoid costly mistakes … [Read more...] about Financial Literacy for the Digital Age