What are the perils of separating banking regulation from the central bank's orbit in Latin America and the Caribbean?

Purpose – Aims to review the potential risks associated with the separation of banking regulation from the orbit of the central bank in Latin‐American and Caribbean countries (LAC). Design/methodology/approach – Sets out information on the banking regulators in LAC and on the current degree of involvement of the central bank in banking regulation; the main monetary policy issues connected to the separation of banking regulation from the central bank; and the main banking regulation issues involved. Findings – The separation of banking regulation from the central bank would not present any great danger to LAC currently. However, the need to conduct the move in accordance with best principles must be emphasized. Originality/value – Given the fertile ground offered by the countries of LAC, this paper presents arguably the most comprehensive examination to date of this “hot potato”.