(Nearly) Dead Bank Walking

This short story explores the actions of Security Pacific Bank, the U. S. Government, politicians, regulatory officials, and many major U. S. banks and bankers in the 1970s and 80s as they dealt with economic disruptions in Latin America (Mexico, Central America, and South America). The threatening matters, actions and decisions of this period seriously impacted economic stability throughout the Americas and nearly collapsed the U. S. Banking System. Of specific note is what took place at Security Pacific, and its efforts to avoid collapse. This period and its difficulties are commonly referred to as the LDC Debt crisis. These troubles resulted from U. S. bank financing, including Security Pacific, of numerous growth and infrastructure projects throughout Latin American. This was a time in which the environment and leadership in many of these countries began drifting toward Communist or Socialist leadership and policies. Of particular concern during this period were the political change and events taking place in Latin America and the longstanding and ongoing threats and influence emerging from communist Cuba. The book explains the causes and effects of the crisis as well as its ultimate cost to the banking industry. The store takes the reader through trips to Latin American, often humorous situations plus stressful personal encounters with Latin American leaders. The meetings include times spent with both Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet and Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim. The writing also details how the strategic plan of Security Pacific Bank's select workout team and their creation of debt for equity swaps resulting in exceptional returns. It also explains how Chile and its economic leaders, called the "Chicago Boys," plus our Chilean Security Pacific team made recovery from this difficult situation possible.