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A Database on Currency Composition of Firm Liabilities in Latin America: 1990-2002

By Department of Research and Chief Economist (VPS/RES/RES)

Latin America Corporate Debt: Currency and Maturity Structure Database

This comprehensive database offers critical insights into Latin America corporate debt, with a specific focus on the currency composition and maturity profiles of firm-level liabilities across 10 Latin American countries. It provides a standardized reference for analyzing how firms in the region manage debt exposure across different financial structures.

Developed through a collaborative research effort in 2002 by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Research Department and six national teams, the database serves as a foundational resource for understanding the dynamics of private-sector debt in emerging markets.

Key Components of the Latin America Corporate Debt Database

  • Country-Level Averages: Easily accessible, downloadable Excel files summarizing corporate debt indicators by country
  • Detailed Methodology: A ZIP file containing comprehensive documentation on variable definitions, sample construction, and original data sources

By examining the corporate debt landscape in Latin America, this dataset supports empirical research and policy analysis to improve debt sustainability, financial risk assessment, and economic resilience in the region.

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Metadata & use

Identifier https://doi.org/10.60966/7nvf2v7x
License Creative Commons Attribution–NonCommercial–NoDerivs 3.0 IGO
Citation

Kamil, H (2015). A Database on Currency Composition of Firm Liabilities in Latin America: 1990-2002. IDB Open Data. https://doi.org/10.60966/7nvf2v7x
Published date 2015-06-02
Modified date 2026-06-25
Tags/Keywords Debt · Firms · Liabilities
Language
  1. English
Temporal coverage 1990-2002
Country
Argentina
Bolivia
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Costa Rica
Mexico
Peru
Uruguay
Venezuela
Region Latin America and the Caribbean
Publisher
Inter-American Development Bank
Author
Kamil, H
Inter-American Development Bank
Data collection type Administrative Data
Statistical type Panel Data
Data structure Structured Data
Data notes

Why is this dataset important?

Understanding Latin American corporate debt is key to assessing financial vulnerability and the transmission of policy in emerging markets.
The dataset provides empirical evidence on how currency mismatches and debt composition affect firm performance, investment, and macroeconomic stability in the region.

What information does the dataset include?

The dataset covers:

  • Firm-level debt composition — shares of local- and foreign-currency liabilities.
  • Sectoral aggregation — non-financial corporate sectors by country.
  • Debt maturity structure — short- vs. long-term debt.
  • Balance sheet indicators — total assets, liabilities, and equity ratios.
  • Country-level averages — for cross-country comparison and trend analysis.

Which countries are included?

The dataset includes major economies in Latin America and the Caribbean, such as:

  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Chile
  • Colombia
  • Mexico
  • Peru

Additional countries are included based on data availability from corporate balance sheets and financial statements.

What period does the dataset cover?

The Latin American debt dataset spans multiple years, allowing users to track changes in currency composition and debt structure over time.
The exact time frame varies by country and data source, but typically covers the post-2000 period—a critical era for financial integration and exchange rate flexibility in the region.

What can researchers do with this dataset?

Researchers and policymakers can use this dataset to:

  • Examine foreign exchange exposure in corporate balance sheets.
  • Analyze financial stability risks from external borrowing.
  • Study the effects of exchange rate fluctuations on firm-level investment and debt servicing.
  • Compare corporate leverage trends across Latin America and other emerging economies.

How does this dataset relate to other IDB debt databases?

This dataset complements broader IDB resources on public and private debt in Latin America, including the LAC Debt Group Database and Public Debt Databases.
Together, these sources provide a complete picture of debt dynamics, from firm-level balance sheets to national fiscal indicators.

What are the limitations of the dataset?

Users should note that:

  • The dataset focuses primarily on non-financial firms, excluding financial sector entities.
  • Coverage may vary depending on data availability and disclosure standards.
  • Some firm-level data are aggregated to maintain confidentiality and comparability across countries.

How can the data be linked to broader debt research?

By combining this dataset with macroeconomic and exchange rate indicators, analysts can explore:

  • The relationship between currency composition and default risk.
  • The role of monetary policy and exchange rate regimes in debt sustainability.
  • The evolution of corporate leverage cycles in Latin America.

Dataset files

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