Rise and Fall of British Financial and Mortgage Enterprises in Argentina, 1885 - 1960

Abstract

Financial and mortgage activities were one of the main destinations of British investment in Latin America and Argentina during the first global economy. These activities generated high returns until the crisis of 1930, when the devaluation of Argentina’s currency and the stagnation of the real estate business marked the end of British investment cycle. The article analyzes the trajectory and profitability of two British companies, The River Plate & General Investment Trust and The Mortgage Company of the River Plate, which operated in Argentina from 1888 to 1950, when they moved to other regions. Both firms were controlled by the River Plate Trust, the largest British business group during the boom of foreign investment in Argentina. The analysis will be based on files and documents of the selected companies from River & Mercantile Trust Records.