The Monetary Board approved the changes to the Credit Risk Regulations, which were proposed by the Superintendence of Banks and seek to simplify the requirements for loans not exceeding $160,000.
In this scenario of economic crisis resulting from the outbreak of covid-19, the objective of the endorsed modifications is to favor SMEs and individuals to gain access to credit lines offered by commercial banks.
Between May 2019 and the same month this year, the number of credit cards circulating in the Salvadoran market increased by 9.2%.
According to figures from the Observatory of Credit Cards (OTC), of the Consumer Defense Office, in May 2020 there were 876,197 credit cards circulating in El Salvador, which is more than the 801,822 registered in the same month of 2019.
The current business scenario ended up breaking down several barriers, and now there are more customers who demand the online services of financial institutions, which are challenged to facilitate digital processes and in turn apply strict security standards.
In the last four months, in most Central American cities, bank clients have moved away from the bank's service points, because between the home quarantines decreed due to the spread of covid-19 and the preference to avoid attending places where large numbers of people can congregate, consumers are choosing to look for ways to carry out transactions digitally.
The Óptima financial group bought the shares of Financiera Solidaria S.A., a transaction that amounted to $50 million.
Directors of Óptima reported that Financiera Solidaria S.A. (Finsol) has been in the Honduran market for 21 years and that this acquisition is part of its strategy to regionalize the financial company in the micro and small business segments.
In Costa Rica, a law initiative under discussion seeks to set caps on interest rates on loans, a measure that could lead to a reduction in the offer of credit for debtors classified as higher risk.
As part of a bill being discussed in the Legislative Assembly, the heads of the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) and the General Superintendence of Financial Entities (Sugef) were asked to give their views on the content of the proposal.
Financiera G&T Continental Costa Rica announced the sale of 100% of its shares to a group of Central American investors.
Precise the relevant fact published on June 19 by the Superintendencia General de Valores (Sugeval), which completes the purchase-sale of the "... shares of the entire capital stock of Financiera GT Continental Costa Rica S.A. by the company called 3-101-771084 S.A."
The rise in microcredits, consumer loans and the construction sector contributed to the 7% year-on-year increase reported in April 2019.
Data from the Bank of Guatemala show that between April 2018 and the same month of 2019, credit to the private sector in the country increased from $24.687 million to $26.534 million, which is equivalent to a 7.4% increase.
Almost three years after its approval, the Microfinance Law in Guatemala still does not have a regulation defining the way in which institutions dedicated to this activity should operate.
The Microfinance Law approved in May 2016, is still waiting for the regulations that will allow its full application. This situation prevents entities seeking to operate in this activity from registering with the Ministry of Economy, since there is no regulation determining how to do so.
On January 29, the Law to Strengthen Entrepreneurship came into force, which includes creating training centers and facilitating access to credit for small businessmen.
Guatemalan authorities reported that with the entry into force of the Law, will incorporate entrepreneurship in primary and secondary education, in addition to creating a new figure called Entrepreneurship Society, among other actions.
At the end of last year, the credit portfolio destined for consumption through cards in Guatemala totaled $1.464 million, 12% more than the figure reported at the end of 2017.
Data from the Superintendence of Banks (SIB) specify that in 2018 loans with credit cards represented 6% of the overall portfolio, which totaled $23.782 million.
Regarding the behavior of credit at a general level, Elperiodico.com.gt reports that "...
In Costa Rica a law proposal pretends to reduce by 50% the bank fees on loans for businesses and SMEs, as well as credits for social housing and lower class.
The law project, which was presented to the Congress by the representative, Yorleny Leon, aims to reduce fees in the formalization of bank loans, which currently range between 8% and 10% of total credit.
Up to May 2018, credit granted by Guatemalan banks to the private sector totaled $25.725 billion, 4% more than was reported in the same month in 2017.
According to figures from Banco de Guatemala, credit to the private sector up to May 2018 grew by 4.1% compared to the same month in 2017, rising from $24.611 billion to $25.725 billion.This increase was below the 8% increase recorded between the same months of 2016 and 2017.
Banco de Antigua has announced the acquisition of the microcredit portfolio of the G & T Continental entity, which will continue to focus on consumer and corporate areas.
G & T Continental Bank reported that the operation is due to a restructuring process to meet the new technological trends in the financial market.
During January in Nicaragua, the gross portfolio of the financial system totaled $5.371 billion, 14% more than in the same month in 2017, explained in part by the performance of commercial credit.
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported that "...The sectors with the highest representation in the portfolio are commercial credit and personal loans, with both sectors accounting for 55.4 percent of the total portfolio. On the other hand, the portfolio at risk and the past due portfolio continue to register levels below the rest of the Central America, Dominican Republic and Panama (CAPARD) region."
Over the past year, the gross portfolio of the financial system totaled $5.323 billion, 14% more than in 2016, explained in part by the performance of commercial credit.
Regarding the activities financed, the Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN) reported that at the end of 2017 "... commercial credit and personal loans remained the most representative, with both sectors adding up to 55.4 percent of the total portfolio. These sectors showed year-on-year growth of 10.6 and 12.1 percent, respectively."