Spanish banks BBVA and Santander Central Hispano also have significant exposure to Argentina.

BBC: Foreign firms weigh Argentina fall-out

Remaining bidders reportedly include Deutsche Bank and Spain's Banco Santander Central Hispano.

FORBES: Magazine Article

But Barclays has the advantage of easy maneuverability in this bid battle, something which the three-way consortium of RBS, Banco Santander Central Hispano and Fortis lacks.

FORBES: Magazine Article