Banco Itaú S.A. is the second largest private sector bank in Brazil. It is a corporation whose basic purpose is banking activity in all forms authorized by Banco Central do Brasil. Organized as a multiple bank, Itaú operates in different and important sectors of the economy through its commercial, investment, real estate and consumer credit divisions. Recognized under the slogan "5-Stars Electronic Bank", Itaú operates with the most advanced automation technology at an international level. It has more than 10,000 ATMs of its own being the largest private network in Brazil and one of the largest in the world.

Banco Itau is a bank of international stature. Besides having units in New York and Grand Cayman, Banco Itaú operates in Mercosul and the European Union through Banco Itaú Buen Ayre S.A. and Banco Itaú Europa S.A.
Itau has the best ratings given to a Brazilian bank:
     AAA - National Rating - IBCA Limited (London)
     Aaa.br - National Rating - Moody's (New York)
     A - Intra Country Issuer - Thomson BankWatch (New York)

In 2000, Itaú received the awards of "The Best Brazilian Bank" and "The Best Latin America Bank" given by the publication "Euromoney". It has also been awarded "The Best Brazilian Bank" by the British publication "The Banker".

The equity control of Banco Itaú is in the hands of the holding company "Itaúsa - Investimentos Itaú S.A.", which covers a vast group of companies with highly active participation in the areas of finance, insurance, processed wood and finishing materials for the building trades, consumer electronics, information technology, chemicals, real estate, planning and engineering.