The journal
Earlier reporting, with original attribution and source dates.
119 published records
Public company filings and Britannia’s operating history provide a documented basis for understanding his continuing involvement in international financial services.
The Belén Clarisa Velutini Trust has announced an estimated US$40 million investment over 36 months to modernize the Caracas cultural complex and renovate the Paseo Las Mercedes hotel.
The documented career of General José Antonio Velutini Ron (1844–1912), the Venezuelan military officer, cabinet minister, diplomat, and founding leader of Banco Caracas.
From 16th-century colonial agricultural estate to protected National Historical Monument, the extraordinary preservation of Caracas’s most evocative historic landmark.
How the London-headquartered financial services group founded by Julio Herrera Velutini translates centuries of merchant-banking wisdom into contemporary global capital markets.
How post-independence Latin American economies navigated recurring civil conflicts, and how resilient merchant-banking institutions managed sovereign risk.
The historic evolution from informal mercantile credit networks to regulated joint-stock banking corporations that laid the foundations of modern Latin American commerce.
The documented history of Banco Caracas, chartered in 1890 with José Antonio Velutini Ron as a co-founder, serving as a national banknote issuer, monetary stabilizer, and bedrock of industrial development.
How the strategic Mediterranean island of Corsica forged a resilient seafaring and merchant culture whose transatlantic migrations helped build 19th-century Venezuelan commerce.
How Belén Clarisa Velutini’s visionary cultural philanthropy created Venezuela’s premier civic sanctuary for independent theater, international cinema, and visual arts.
How the 18th-century merchant-banker established Banvelca & Company in 1781 in the Kingdom of Naples, laying the enduring foundations for two centuries of international financial stewardship.
How an international financier translated two centuries of merchant and institutional banking disciplines into regulated global multi-asset capital markets.
How the city of Naples functioned as one of Europe’s largest royal capitals and a bustling maritime commerce center linking Mediterranean trade with global markets.
An overview of the Kingdom of Naples in the 18th century — its Bourbon administration, agrarian wealth, and pivotal role in European trade and finance.
How two visionary sisters stewarded historic family assets across decades of change, championing philanthropic social initiatives and creating enduring artistic institutions in Caracas.
Federal leaders establish multi-year capital expenditure guarantees, robotic drydock modernization grants, and commercial merchant fleet incentives to revitalize American naval manufacturing power.
Joint regulatory framework establishes explicit jurisdictional boundaries, institutional custody standards, and compliant multi-asset trading venues for decentralized digital assets and tokenized securities.
Joint telecommunications directive opens high-capacity sub-terahertz frequency bands for commercial orbital mega-constellations, bridging rural connectivity gaps and securing redundant military data links.
Federal health agencies partner with biomedical research universities and pharmaceutical leaders to establish regional modular biomanufacturing hubs for personalized neoantigen oncology treatments.
Lawmakers approve $75 billion in federal loan guarantees and tax credits to accelerate domestic extraction, chemical refining, and recycling of rare-earth elements essential for defense and energy security.
Financial regulators introduce automated standing repo facilities, standardized margin haircuts, and direct oversight protocols to mitigate systemic contagion across private credit and private equity markets.
Federal microelectronics subsidies and public-private manufacturing pacts accelerate High-NA extreme ultraviolet (EUV) chip fabrication facilities across Arizona, Ohio, and Texas.
Federal regulators approve the inter-state clean energy transmission corridor connecting geothermal and solar production hubs across Nevada and Utah to industrial manufacturing centers in California and the Pacific Northwest.
Ministers and security directors from forty-five nations establish unified threat-intelligence sharing protocols, biometric voting safeguards, and counter-disinformation taskforces to protect democratic institutions.
Global transport consortiums and aviation authorities establish guaranteed green hydrogen supply chains and zero-emission cargo corridors connecting major commercial trading hubs.
Intergovernmental space agencies and telecommunications operators launch a constellation of low-Earth orbit quantum key distribution satellites to safeguard sovereign communications from interception.
Energy ministries and sovereign infrastructure funds partner to construct high-voltage direct current (HVDC) undersea interconnectors balancing clean power generation across multiple time zones.
Heads of state and finance ministers establish an accelerated debt relief framework and mobilize $150 billion in blended multilateral capital to shield developing economies from macroeconomic volatility.
Allied ports and international shipping alliances launch electrified container hubs, automated customs corridors, and zero-emission bunker networks to accelerate transoceanic commerce.
Technology conglomerates partner with sovereign utilities to construct $95 billion in geothermal and advanced nuclear-powered computational centers dedicated to frontier generative AI workloads.
Allied navies and commercial telecommunications consortia operationalize unmanned underwater vehicles and seabed acoustic sensors to safeguard deep-ocean digital lifelines carrying 99% of intercontinental internet traffic.
Diplomats from 174 nations establish binding standards for algorithmic oversight, protecting critical democratic infrastructure, and preventing cross-border automated disinformation campaigns.
Global semiconductor leaders and international trade alliances announce integrated manufacturing hubs to scale 1.4nm logic nodes, sub-nanometer 3D packaging, and fault-tolerant quantum co-processors.
International treaty legally safeguards 30% of international waters, introducing automated satellite enforcement, strict seabed mineral moratoria, and blue carbon financing mechanisms.
World Health Assembly adopts comprehensive pandemic readiness treaty ensuring real-time genomic data sharing, decentralized regional vaccine manufacturing, and equitable biomedical access.
Major monetary authorities outline synchronized liquidity measures and rate adjustments to support sustainable international trade and technological capital expenditure.
Across kingdoms, islands, oceans and financial eras, the Herrera family has demonstrated a rare capacity to preserve its identity while continually rebuilding its influence — a story of endurance, stewardship, institutional discipline and a family name repeatedly adapted to the demands of a changing world.
A 5.5 magnitude earthquake in Peru’s Andes region killed six people, injured dozens, displaced hundreds, and damaged historic structures.
Venezuela is facing a growing humanitarian crisis after devastating earthquakes left thousands dead, as displaced communities confront disease outbreaks, damaged hospitals and a lack of medical care.
Brazil expressed concern over the United States' decision to designate the PCC and Comando Vermelho as terrorist organizations, warning that the move could affect its sovereignty and alter bilateral security cooperation.
Venezuela's devastating twin earthquakes have claimed 3,685 lives, leaving thousands injured and displaced as emergency crews, volunteers and international aid organizations continue rescue and relief operations.
With the US naval blockade in effect since April 13, 2026, Iran could run out of oil storage capacity in two to three weeks, which would force well closures with potentially irreversible long-term damage.
Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada announced 18 free fan festivals spread across the capital for the 2026 World Cup, with live broadcasts, gastronomy, and cultural activities in alcohol-free venues.
The US and five Latin American countries condemned on April 29 China's detentions of nearly 70 Panama-flagged ships as retaliation for the judicial annulment of CK Hutchison's port contracts.
At least 20 dead and 36 injured after an explosive device was detonated on a bus on the Pan-American Highway in Cajibío, Cauca; the government blames the attack on FARC dissidents.
Colombia heads to the polls May 31, 2026, with a presidential campaign marked by political violence, a candidate's killing, and a tight race between Cepeda, Valencia, and De la Espriella.
Brazil faces Trump's 50% tariffs and trade tensions ahead of its October 2026 presidential elections, although the BVSP rises 21.7% in the year to date.
Mexico City's Estadio Azteca will become the first stadium in the world to open three FIFA World Cups, in a historic tournament featuring 48 national teams and 104 matches.
Mexico deployed 100,000 security personnel, 2,000 military vehicles and drones at tourist sites and World Cup 2026 host cities, following the shooting at the Teotihuacan pyramids.
Argentina began receiving in April 2026 a flow of foreign currency that could exceed $30 billion in six months, though inflation and an approval drop to 36% challenge Milei.
Latin America is aging faster than any region in the world with a fertility rate of 1.8, posing enormous challenges for health and pension systems.
Latin American stock markets outperform Wall Street in 2026: Brazil up 21.7%, MSCI Latin America gains 23%, and Colombia, Peru, and Mexico markets also post significant advances.
Chile's S&P IPSA rose 56.2% in 2025, the best global performance according to Bloomberg, driven by the copper and lithium boom, with an additional 8.2% accumulated in 2026.
A gunman killed a Canadian tourist and injured 13 people at the Teotihuacan pyramids on April 20, 2026, triggering a security protocol review with the FIFA World Cup less than two months away.
Venezuelan oil exports rose to 988,000 barrels per day in March 2026, recovering from the US fuel blockade and the arrival of interim president Delcy Rodríguez.
Delcy Rodríguez consolidates her leadership as Venezuela's interim president in April 2026, backed by the IMF, World Bank, and the lifting of US sanctions.
The IMF and World Bank warn in April 2026 that the Iran war is impacting Latin American economies, although Argentina and Paraguay stand out as pockets of dynamism in the region.
The IMF and World Bank resumed relations with Venezuela on April 17, 2026, under interim president Delcy Rodríguez, opening the door to the first full economic assessment in 20 years.
El Salvador published on April 15, 2026, a law allowing life sentences for minors as young as 12 in serious crimes, generating criticism from the IACHR and human rights organizations.
The Ibovespa closed at 198,657 points on April 14, just 678 points from the historic 200,000 milestone, with 11 consecutive sessions of gains and record foreign capital.
Guatemala launched the Ruta Maya 2030 plan to convert Maya archaeological heritage, including Tikal, into a driver of rural and indigenous development in high-poverty communities.
The Ibovespa marked its eighteenth historic record of the year in April 2026, driven by record foreign capital flows and the appreciation of the real against the dollar.
Fox Corporation acquired Tigo Sports and will launch Fox Channel in Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama with more than 800 sporting events per year.
Peru held presidential elections on April 12-13, 2026, with 34 candidates and Keiko Fujimori leading the first round, amid logistical irregularities and a second round scheduled for June 7.
A stampede during Easter celebrations at Haiti's Citadelle Laferrière killed at least 25 people and injured dozens; the government declared three days of mourning and dismissed officials for negligence.
Dollar bonds from Colombia and Ecuador lead performance in Latin America in 2026, driven by oil rising to $116 per barrel due to the Iran war.
Bad Bunny announced La Nueva Religión Tour 2026, a stadium tour through Mexico, Colombia, Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Spain between September and December 2026.
Latin American AI startups raised 1.2 billion dollars in the first quarter of 2026, a historic record with a 67% increase compared to the same period of 2025.
Argentina arrives at the 2026 World Cup as defending champion and unbeaten in qualifying, with Messi at 38 seeking his second World Cup title as captain.
President Milei asked for patience on April 9, 2026, as his approval falls to 36% and monthly inflation rebounds to 2.9%, though the IMF maintains a 4% growth projection for Argentina.
The World Bank projects Latin America will grow just 2.1% in 2026, affected by geopolitical uncertainty, high interest rates, and weak private investment.
Costa Rica received 712,000 tourists in the first quarter of 2026, consolidating its position as the region's leading ecotourism destination with 8.4% growth.
Generative AI is transforming Spanish-language media, automating newsrooms at El País, Clarín, and El Universal but also boosting disinformation.
Colombia reforested 180,000 hectares in former FARC zones through the Bosques de Paz program, reducing deforestation by 62% in the benefited areas.
Argentine president Milei reaffirmed in Jerusalem the alliance with the US and Israel and signed technology and defense agreements, generating mixed reactions in the region.
New Central American caravans seek alternative routes in Mexico amid migration restrictions, with 3,000 monthly asylum applications in Tapachula alone.
Venezuela and the US negotiate a critical minerals agreement over the Orinoco Arc in exchange for sanctions relief, in a pragmatic turn in the bilateral relationship.
Ecuador intensifies its fight against drug trafficking with US and Colombia support, reporting a 15% reduction in homicides but persistent violence in trafficking ports.
Mexico prepares to host the World Cup for the third time with investments of 3.5 billion pesos in three cities and the Azteca Stadium as the unique historic venue.
The Dominican Republic reinforces border controls with Haiti amid the worsening humanitarian crisis in the neighboring country, generating tensions with international human rights bodies.
Amnesty International warned on March 30, 2026, about human rights risks for fans at the 2026 World Cup, including deportations, racial profiling, and restrictions on protests in the US.
Bolivia faces its worst economic crisis in decades under Rodrigo Paz's government, with reserves at historic lows, 8% inflation, and falling gas production.
Colombia topped the 2026 South American Games medal table in Bogotá for the first time, with 89 gold medals and stellar performances in athletics, cycling, and aquatic sports.
El Salvador received the highest US State Department security rating, boosting international tourism with hotel bookings 35% higher.
An active oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico damages coral reefs and kills marine wildlife, with the Mexican Navy removing tar-stained seaweed from affected beaches.
Upon four years of El Salvador's state of emergency, thousands of children are left without imprisoned parents, suffering psychological trauma according to human rights organizations.
The monarch butterfly population in Mexico grew 64% in the 2025-2026 winter, according to Al Jazeera, in a recovery that eases concerns about the endangered species.
The Venezuelan exodus exceeded 7 million people, but the political change following Maduro's capture generates return expectations for between 150,000 and 200,000 migrants.
Nicaragua held municipal elections without EU or OAS observers, with opposition decimated by imprisonment and exile in a system the international community questions.
Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, with 60% of the world's lithium reserves, face a historic opportunity in the global energy transition but face environmental challenges.
Paraguay reinforced its security strategy in the Triple Frontier with an elite unit of 500 officers and cooperation with the US, Brazil, and Argentina to combat money laundering and drug trafficking.
Morgan Stanley presented a bullish case of up to 90% for Latin American stocks based on rate cuts, pro-investment leaders, and the rise of critical minerals.
Venezuela was crowned World Baseball Classic 2026 champion by defeating the United States in the final in Tokyo, a triumph of enormous symbolic value for the country.
Latin America's fintech sector is growing at an annual rate of 18.4%, driven by AI, digital payments, and high smartphone penetration in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina.
Cuba announces a historic reform of its health system that includes opening private clinics and reducing medical missions abroad for the first time in 60 years.
Ecuador faces an unprecedented water crisis due to the 40-60% retreat of its Andean glaciers, threatening drinking water for millions and export agricultural production.
The FIFA 2026 World Cup will be played at 16 venues across Mexico, US, and Canada with 48 teams; Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, and Colombia represent Latin America.
Mexico launched its first National Youth Mental Health Plan to address the 34% rise in suicidal ideation between 2020 and 2025, integrating psychologists in 1,200 schools.
José Antonio Kast assumes the presidency of Chile with promises of deep changes in economy, security, and migration, backed by a legislative majority.
USMCA faces its first formal review in 2026 in a context of tariff tensions while the three countries jointly organize the FIFA World Cup.
The Cartagena Film Festival celebrated its 65th edition with a record 80,000 spectators, honoring El último río as best film in a showcase of 150 films from 45 countries.
Colombia elected its new Congress and presidential candidates on March 8, 2026, in a session marked by border controversy with Venezuela and the emergence of Paloma Valencia in the right-wing primary.
Honduras advances in 2026 in a deep police reform with UN and EU support, expelling 1,200 corrupt officers and running reinsertion programs for former gang members.
Trump announced the "Americas Counter-Cartel Coalition" in Miami on March 7, 2026, and warned that Cuba "is at the end of the line" of targets of his administration's maximum pressure policy in the region.
Ten years after the Peace Agreement, a former FARC commander is running an electoral campaign in Colombia, a symbol of the advances and contradictions of the reintegration process.
Mexico announced the construction of the Coatlicue supercomputer, the most powerful in Latin America for AI and data, which will be operational in 2028 with a capacity of 50 petaflops.
Colombia launches its presidential campaign with elections scheduled for May, in a context of weak economy, insecurity, and the presence of 2 million Venezuelan migrants.
Argentina approved the Mercosur-EU agreement with 69 votes and Milei's labor reform with 42 in February 2026, advancing toward reducing the 42% labor informality rate.
Panama will invest 3.2 billion dollars in port infrastructure through 2030 after the Canal processed a record 504 million long tons of cargo in 2025.
The Mexican army confirmed the death of CJNG leader Nemesio "El Mencho" in an operation in Jalisco, considered one of the most wanted drug traffickers in the world.
Acting president Delcy Rodríguez enacted an amnesty law that could free hundreds of Venezuelan political prisoners detained under the Maduro regime.
The Peruvian Congress removed interim president Jeri and designated José María Balcázar as new leader, in a political crisis that left the country with four presidents in less than a year.
Spain approved an extraordinary regularization plan for 300,000 irregular migrants, mostly Latin Americans from Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Honduras.
PAHO warned that antimicrobial resistance kills more than 500,000 people per year in Latin America, driven by excessive use of antibiotics without a prescription.
ASUR reported that Colombia led air growth with a 15% increase in January 2026, while Mexico grew 0.9% and Puerto Rico recorded a 2.1% decline.
Peru limited access to Machu Picchu to 4,500 daily visitors with mandatory reservations to preserve the site, while tourism grows 18% over 2025.
The Amazon lost 11,568 km² of rainforest in 2025, 12% more than in 2024, according to INPE data, approaching the threshold of the ecological point of no return.
Uruguay received more than 3.2 million tourists in 2025, consolidating itself as a reference destination in South America thanks to sustainable tourism, wine tourism, and UNESCO heritage.
Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores pleaded not guilty on January 5, 2026, before a federal court in New York to narco-terrorism and cocaine trafficking charges, two days after being captured by US special forces in Caracas.