Central American was undergoing an interesting banking system evolution. Now the crisis has hit hard. Remittances have dropped and so has international business. More expensive capital halts investments in infrastructure and global liquidity restrictions will have a strong impact.

Source: americaeconomia.com

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Hostile Outlook for Central American Banking

September 2016

Moody's warns of the risks faced by banks in Central America in the context of a rising trend in interest rates and dollarization of their loan portfolios.

From a report by Moody's:

Mexico, September 14, 2016 -- Banks in Central America face rising asset risks as interest rates look set to rise in the region, pushing up debt service costs for borrowers, according to a report from Moody's Investors Service. 

Panama: Crisis does not halt demand for credit cards.

November 2008

In spite of inflation and the world financial crises, Panamanians continue acquiring credit cards and the banks have not increased their restrictions.

As of September of this year the banking system credit card balance reached 629.8 million dollars, up 5.6 million dollars as compared to August's numbers of 324.2 million dollars, according to the Bank Superintendent's Office.

No Latin American country will be saved from crisis

October 2008

The financial crisis will affect all Latin American countries, despite the fact that they are better position than in the past to withstand it, said Juan Jose Daboub, general director of the World Bank.

Daboub, ex minister of Economy for El Salvador, will be in Panama next week and in his country of origin, where he will participate in the Ibero-American Summit.

The Lehman effect on Guatemala

September 2008

Experts predict that the American financial crisis will be felt through fewer credit flows, foreign investment, exports and remittances.

The National financial system is not showing signs of infection. Jose Angel Lopez, president of the Banking Association of Guatemala (ABG), indicated that the banks have their investments in the Central Bank, in government bonds, credits and other assets, hence their exposure to the American banks is minimum.