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."
The Honduran Banco Atlántida has received authorization to operate in the Nicaraguan financial market.
As of November 15, the Honduran bank will have 180 days to comply with the requirements in the law for banks and financial institutions.
"...Through a resolution published in La Gaceta on November 15, the board of directors of the Siboif made official the authorization for the constitution of a banking corporation under the name: `Banco Atlántida de Nicaragua S.A. or simply Banco Atlántida Nicaragua or Banco Atlántida'."
Although profitability of the entities is adequate, Fitch Ratings is not ruling out pressure on performance because of increased spending on credit provisions and lower growth.
From a report by Fitch Ratings, III quarter of 2016:
Concentrated financial system has adequate profitability and capitalization in Regulatory situation in process of strengthening
Fitch Ratings notes that the Guatemalan banking system reports one of the lowest rates of delinquency in the region.
From the report 'Panorama of Guatemalan Banks' by Fitch Ratings:
Local Majority Banking System: The largest banks (70% of loans in the system) belong to local shareholders. At the same time, foreign-owned banks increased their share after Bancolombia acquired the controlling stake in Banco Agromercantil de Guatemala, S.A. (BAM).
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.
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. "
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).
The Superintendency of Banks in Guatemala has published the Financial Inclusion Report corresponding to the fourth quarter of 2014, noting an increase of 15% in the number of account holders.
From a statement issued by the Superintendeny of Banks in Guatemala:
Financial Inclusion refers to a set of actions which aim to increase access and improve the use of financial services for all segments of the population, including those who have traditionally been neglected, ie, the poor and rural segments. Its importance centers around the fact that lack of access to financial services causes people limitations in their ability to save, receive credit and to protect against the occurrence of situations or disasters that may affect them in their daily lives, through insurance coverage.
"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.
Analysis by Fitch Ratings projects that banks in the region will maintain strong balance sheets and have stable profitability in 2014.
Excerpted from Fitch Ratings:
Differential Growth and Opportunities: Low financial depth, in most systems, continues to provide significant opportunities for expansion of bank balance sheets; although this is limited by low average income levels.