Core Viewpoint - Banco BTG Pactual SA has successfully diversified its revenue streams, transitioning from a focus on sales and trading to a more balanced portfolio that includes significant growth in lending, asset management, and wealth management [1][2][3]. Revenue Diversification - Lending has become a 7.6 billion-real ($1.4 billion) business, surpassing sales and trading for the first time [2]. - The bank's assets under management have increased more than fivefold, while wealth under management has more than doubled, contributing to nearly a quarter of total revenue [2]. Strategic Growth and Acquisitions - BTG has expanded its customer base through acquisitions, enhancing its wealth and asset management business and reigniting global ambitions [4]. - Recent acquisitions include HSBC's operations in Uruguay for $175 million and various businesses in Latin America and beyond, such as FIS Privatbank in Luxembourg and M.Y. Safra Bank in New York [6][7]. Market Performance - BTG's shares have risen approximately 70% this year, outperforming other major banks in Latin America, with a return on equity of 27% in the second quarter [5]. Business Model and Partnerships - The bank's partnership model allows senior partners to buy shares at book value, fostering a nimble decision-making process [12]. - BTG has established a digital retail platform and a network of independent investment advisers, growing to 20 dedicated offices in Brazil and 170 third-party firms [16][17]. Competitive Positioning - BTG has become a prominent buyer of banking assets, acquiring both thriving and distressed wealth management businesses [8][9]. - The bank aims to compete with major players like Itau, having recently become the second-largest Latin American bank by market value [18][19]. Challenges and Future Outlook - Despite its success, concerns about transparency and corporate governance have been raised, particularly regarding the complexity of its shareholding structure [22][23]. - The bank is cautious in its lending practices amid high interest rates and economic uncertainty in Brazil, focusing on supply-chain financing [15].