In recent months, the credit portfolio of public and private banks in Costa Rica has been growing at a slower rate, partly because of high levels of indebtedness of the population.
According to figures from the Central Bank of Costa Rica, between October 2018 and March 2019 the year-on-year growth of credit has generally slowed, since the increase in the portfolio of private banks fell from 14% to 12%, in public banks the decline was from 1.37% to 0.75%, and in the case of other financial intermediaries the decline was from 8.86% to 6.97%.
Slow growth is projected in El Salvador, very good performance in Nicaragua, stability in Panama, more competition in Guatemala and moderate growth in Costa Rica.
From a report by Fitch Ratings entitled "2015 Perspectives: Central American Banks":
Costa Rica:
Fitch Ratings has revised the outlook for the sector from positive to stable, because the agency does not anticipate substantial improvements in respect to the previous year. The system's profitability will remain low, with less than 1.0% ROAA. The results are limited because of the high dependence on net interest margin (NIM) and additional expenses in provisions for loan losses, due to regulatory changes that established gradual constitutions of general provisions for the best qualified loans. In addition, Fitch does not anticipate improvements in revenue diversification and also foresees a significant revenue exchange rate differential. This last factor has a significant influence on the results of the banks in Costa Rica.
The banks Davivienda and Grupo Aval, already present in Central America, could be in talks with Citi to acquire its consumer banking operations in the region.
The sale of assets of Citigroup in 7 countries in Latin America represents an expansion opportunity for Colombian banks.
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. In 2014, assets in the region could increase about 10%, mainly driven by higher portfolios. Central American banking portfolio growth will reach double digits, except for the systems in El Salvador and Panama, which will grow at a slower pace.
In principle, the change will only be cosmetic, with the functional and operational structure remaining in place in the 30 offices and subsidiaries that are now part of the Colombian financial group.
In January 2012 Davivienda signed an agreement to the effect that HSBC Costa Rica, HSBC Honduras and HSBC El Salvador form part of the Bank to strengthen its regional presence. The purchase of the Costa Rican operation was formalized in August, which marked the beginning of a new phase in the organization while maintaining its focus on adding value to customers, employees and shareholders, with a broad portfolio of products and services.
Panama and El Salvador are seen by Grupo Sura as countries "with political, social and macroeconomic stability" for their expansion projects.
The president of Colombia's Grupo Sura, David Bojanini, said his holding company plans regional procurement in countries that provide economic, political and especially legal security.
Luis Carlos Sarmiento Angulo, one of the richest men on earth, is the owner of Grupo Aval, which controls some of the largest banks in Colombia.
Grupo Aval agreed to purchase 100% of the shares of BAC-Credomatic from GE Capital for $1.9 billion. Currently, GE owns 75% of BAC-Credomatic and agreed to buy the remaining 25% to sell it to Grupo Aval.
The National Bank of Costa offers 250 services at 500 local small businesses.
Using the internet, business owners at pharmacies, small shops, and mini supermarkets can attend to clients of the Bank who can access banking services in areas where it is not profitable to install a full branch.
Driven by fierce competition, public and private banks are carrying out aggressive expansion plans this year.
Seven banks and the Mutual Group have announced that they will open at least 84 branch offices or agencies.
The most ambitious plans are those of the Banco de Costa Rica and Banco Popular, each of which is planning to end the year with 20 new branches.
O4Bi is a system that allows to control and manage what a company needs: the complete process of development of works, accounts receivable, treasury, banks, sales and accounting.
O4Bi is a very robust system that allows to control and...
español
4225
