In Costa Rica, the government's strong need for financing and the Central Bank's exchange rate interventions have been putting pressure on the local financial market, pushing up passive rates in Colones.
The decrease in liquidity in Colones generated by the pressure exerted by the government and the Central Bank in the local market is the main reason behind the upward trend in passive rates in local currency.
Because of fiscal uncertainty, in the first months of 2018, banks operating in the country reduced by 16% the amount invested in public debt securities in the local market.
Against the backdrop of doubts about the future of public finances in Costa Rica, it was reported that from January to September, 14 local public and private banks invested $3.190 million in government bonds.
Sugef has increased controls on transfers exceeding $10,000, as a measure of preventing money laundering and terrorist financing.
The Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Sugef) now has new regulations on money laundering which had been under consultation since September 10th with banks, mutuals, cooperatives, financial, insurance, stock positions and pension operators.
The Sugef in Costa Rica has demanded tighter controls on banks when lending in dollars.
As part of the measures proposed by the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (Sugef), financial institutions must conduct a capacity analysis on the borrower, as well as requiring collateral and credit history, a test now only done when the loan is for more than $130,000.