BRISTOL, England, January 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ --

On 17-19 April, leading financial services executives from the region's biggest firms will head to Mexico's Fairmont Mayakoba Riviera Maya Hotel for what promises to be the best attended and most well respected event for financial services technology professionals in Latin America during 2012 - the FST Summit Latin America.

Patricio Melo, CIO and COO at Banco de Chile, Guillermo Guemez, CIO at Mexico's Banorte, and Johnny Garcia Sebastiani, CTO at Interbank, are among the delegates scheduled to attend the upcoming summit. IT leaders from Banco Columbia, Scotiabank Mexico, Bladex, Banco Do Nordeste and Caixa Economica Federal are also attending.

Melo also attended the previous event. "It's a very good opportunity to share experiences, and to understand new and best practices," he said.

Banks in Latin America withstood the global financial crisis and the resulting economic downturn better than most within the global financial system. Improving macroeconomic conditions, still-low interest rates and more diversified funding access are all helping to kick-start investment and credit growth - which should in turn lead to growth opportunities across the continent.

FST Latin America is designed specifically to help forward-thinking CIOs and other IT leaders in the financial services industry make technology investment decisions that will enable their organisations to capitalise on those opportunities.

As well as comprehensive workshops, the summit will involve panel discussions offering delegates moderated, peer-led discussions on major industry issues. Meanwhile, one-to-one meetings give delegates the chance to meet with business analysts and solution providers to discuss strategy and technology demands in a rapidly evolving business climate.

Mathias Pena Graz, Director at GDS International - the global business event company behind the FST Summit - believes the event's high calibre of speakers and exciting content, combined with fantastic opportunities for networking, give delegates and sponsors real value for money and return on their investment - and ensures that FST Latin America stands out against other events.

"This year's FST Latin America Summit is designed specifically with the CIO in mind - exploring and defining the emerging disciplines critical to organizational effectiveness," he says. "Now more than ever, CIOs will only respond and commit to those solution providers who can link tangible cost benefits with the solutions they provide. The FST Latin America Summit will offer the opportunity for key stakeholders to discuss common goals and challenges in a relaxed setting ideal for ensuring new business relationships flourish."

See what previous delegates had to say about the event at http://www.fstlasummit.com

About GDS International:

GDS International is one of the most innovative events and media companies worldwide and a globally renowned producer of business-to-business summits, conferences, online information and advisory group gatherings.

Founded in 1993, GDS International specialises in meeting the B2B marketing needs of our clients. Having a strong presence in mature industrial sectors but a finger on the pulse of emerging markets - as well as up-and-coming B2B business verticals - means we are perfectly placed to capitalise on the exciting developments brought about by the advent of a globalised economy.

Our value proposition is simple: we deliver tangible business results from world-class events. http://www.gdsinternational.com

Contact: Rachel Sandeman (Rachel.Sandeman@gdsinternational.com)
Tel: +44-117-9261450

SOURCE GDS International