As of the end of August 2024, the International Banking Center (IBS) achieved notable growth in its loan portfolio, according to the Banking Activity Report (IAB) from Panama's Superintendency of Banks.
The net loan portfolio reached a gross balance of USD 92.4 billion, representing an increase of USD 6.3 billion, or 7.4%. This result highlights the importance of loans as the most significant productive asset within the IBC's asset structure.
Similarly, the IBC's deposit portfolio experienced growth of 4.2%, totaling USD 105.7 billion, which represents an additional USD 4.2 billion compared to the same period in 2023.
Additionally, the IBC's total assets reached USD 148.5 billion, marking a 4.2% increase or USD 5.9 billion compared to the previous year. This growth is largely attributed to a strategy focused on optimizing capital towards productive assets, along with proactive and strategic resource management.
It is important to emphasize that the improvement in the asset structure indicates a trend toward higher-yielding investments, which has increased profitability and improved the system’s risk profile.
As evidence, the IBC's capital base and liabilities have been strengthened, contributing to both financial solidity and risk mitigation throughout 2024. Consequently, banks operating in Panama's financial sector continue to show high liquidity and solvency margins of 59.43% and 15.65%, respectively.
These indicators not only demonstrate compliance with regulatory requirements but also reinforce the system's capacity to withstand financial shocks in a constantly changing global environment. Prudential instruments are crucial for maintaining financial stability in the face of potential adverse scenarios.
In light of the IBC's solid performance, the Superintendent of Banks, Milton Ayón Wong, reaffirms his commitment to playing a key role through comprehensive prudential oversight, ensuring the financial stability of the system and anticipating potential imbalances that could compromise its structural soundness.
For more information on the variables explaining the results of this report, visit our website at www.superbancos.gob.pa/estadistica.
