This chapter first sets out the book’s three main objectives: (i) To document the characteristics of Latin American bond markets and evaluate their “underdevelopment” in absolute terms and relative to other forms of financing; (ii) to identify the factors behind the recent growth (or lack thereof) in these bond markets; and (iii) to discuss whether policies aimed at promoting the growth of Latin American bond markets will have a positive effect on the region’s economic performance. It then discusses the state of Latin American bond markets; government bond markets; private bond markets; and private and sovereign debt market interactions.