The coronavirus has left an economic impact in several countries. For this reason, some governments are developing exceptional measures to mitigate its effects. For example, the suspension of tax and mortgage payments to lessen the economic pressure on small businesses and households.
In the United States, interest rates were reduced to almost zero and a US$700 billion stimulus program was launched in a bid to protect its economy, says Mario Miranda, director of finance at MonederoSMART.
The Executive and the banking sector agreed to extend until December 31st of this year the moratorium on credit payments, a measure that applies to mortgages, personal loans, the agricultural sector, commercial, transportation, auto and credit cards.
The government also reported that in the context of the covid-19 outbreak, President Cortizo sanctioned Bill 295 which adopts special social measures for the temporary suspension of payment of public services such as electricity, fixed and mobile telephony and Internet.
In 2017, the International Banking Center recorded profits of $1.797 billion, 18% more than the $1.594 billion reported in 2016.
The Superintendency of Banks in Panama reported that "... The CBI 's profits increased by 17.9% in the month of December, supported by a reduction in expenditures and an increase in income from financial operations."
From 2018 an agreement will be in effect on the exchange of financial and tax information of accounts of Argentines in Panama and of Panamanians in the South American country.
From a statement issued by the Federal Public Revenue Administration of Argentina:
Starting next year bank account information will be accessible
In 2016 entities in the banking system managed to increase their assets by 4% and their loan portfolios by 8% compared to 2015.
The annual report by the Superintendency of Banks in Panama includes the main results for the banking center and the banking system during 2016.
The report states that"...Credit to the private sector remains favorable in the retail banking segment and corporate credit in the interim construction segments.Trade credit has a lower growth rate due to reductions in the Colon Free Zone. "
The Superintendency of Securities may provide access to bank information when investigations because of breaches are carried out in the stock market.
The decree took effect on December 17, 2016, and states that when the Superintendency of Securities (SMV) requires information on bank depositors and liabilities, this will be requested through the Superintendency of Banksof Panama. In addition, the two regulators signed a memorandum of understandingto facilitate exchange of information.
In response to rumors of more interventions into financial institutions, the Superintendency of Banks in Panama says that they are unfounded, highlighting the strength of the banking system.
From a statement issued by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama:
The Superintendency of Banks in Panama made public knowledge, that as a result of taking operational and administrative control of Balboa Bank & Trust and its subsidiaries a number of comments and news stories have arisen which do not have any foundation regarding future actions that may be taken by this institution on other banks, or conditions of vulnerability of some institutions in our banking system.
Fitch Ratings predicts headwinds and higher risks for banks in Central American countries in 2016, resulting in lower credit growth.
From a report by Fitch Ratings Central America:
Headwind: Central American Banking systems face greater risks in 2016. A slowdown in growth of gross domestic product (GDP) in the region and, consequently, lower credit growth is anticipated.
On August 10 general license banks interested in the assets of the entity may submit offers.
The reorganizing entity designated by the Superintendency of Banks explained that the first to be invited are general license banks in the country, who will have 20 days to submit their proposals for all or part of the assets.
Anpanama.com reports that "...Once proposals have been submitted, the most feasible will be chosen, and then passed on to an analysis phase after which, finally, the company who will buy the assets of Banco Universal will be decided. "
As the region gets ready to start complying with the US law FATCA, OECD countries are already working on a Single Global Standard for automatic exchange of information.
FATCA could now be joined by the European OECD countries Single Global Standard for Automatic Clearing of CRS Information (Gatca), "... allowing tax information on their residents to be shared between them."
The Superintendency of Securities will be able to access banking information through the Superintendency of Banks, and share it with foreign regulators under the framework of international research on shares.
Marelissa Quintero, superintendent of Securities Market, told Prensa.com that "... under the law irregular transactions can be traced in the context of an investigation where there are indications of irregularities and violations in the securities market ... ". Also, she stated that "... foreign regulators may therefore request assistance from their Panamanian counterparts ...".
The Superintendency of Banks has given the order for Administrative and Operational Takeover after the US government accused the Group BANCA PRIVADA D'ANDORRA of alleged money laundering.
From a statement issued by the Superintendency of Banks in Panama (SBP):
By Resolution SBP-0053-2015 of March 10, 2015, the Superintendency of Banks of Panama ordered the taking of Administrative and Operational Control of BANCA PRIVADA D'ANDORRA (PANAMA) SA, effective from two (2) oclock meridian time , on Wednesday, eleventh (11th) of March 2015, based on the provisions of Article 16 paragraph 4, Literal I; Article 131 and subsequent Decree Law No. 9 of 1998, as amended by Act No. 2 Decree of 2008 and whose Consolidated Text was adopted by Executive Decree No. 52 of 2008 (Banking Law).
Many of the officials working in Central American governments are annoyed at the idea of the information they handle being accessible to citizens, and one way or another, they are impeding its availability.
EDITORIAL
"- Send a letter to Mrs Fulana, the person in charge of authorizing the release of information you have requested, stating the reasons for your request".
"It is imperative that banks have the necessary controls that enable them to timely detect suspicious money laundering activities."
The new president of the Banking Association of Panama (ABP) is proposing the creation and implementation of a Code of Conduct for unionized entities, similar to what exists for other banking associations in the region.