This article examines the role of the State, institutions and financial markets in the financing of economic development, and in particular the role of development banks. It touches on the limitations of today's conventional approach to development financing problems. It stresses information asymmetries as a cause of credit rationing and the poor distribution of savings. It also offers an analysis of the role of the State and markets in development financing, together with a policy agenda suggested by the different approach set forth here. It concludes with some considerations concerning problems and challenges now facing development financing in Latin America. /