Operations of the International Banking Center (CBI) continue to strengthen, reflecting sustained expansion in its net credit portfolio, which reached USD 95.211 billion at the end of January 2025, marking a 7.9% year-over-year increase, according to the Banking Activity Report (IAB) issued by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP).
This growth is driven by an effective strategy of geographic diversification in credit asset placement. Domestically, the portfolio also demonstrated positive performance, increasing 4.6% to USD 61.695 billion, solidifying its role as the structural backbone of banking credit.
The report highlights that the commerce segment was one of the main drivers of this growth, reaching USD 13.187 billion (+8.0%). Likewise, the personal consumer credit portfolio experienced a 3.3% increase, totaling USD 14.272 billion, reflecting higher demand in these strategic sectors.
The CBI’s total assets amounted to USD 154.66 billion, reflecting an increase of USD 8.448 billion compared to January 2024, equivalent to a 5.8% year-over-year growth. This performance is attributed to a strategy focused on optimizing returns on productive assets, supported by efficient capital allocation and prudent financial risk management, thereby strengthening the capital structure and funding base.
Deposits remain the primary financial support for the CBI, reaching USD 108.795 billion, with a 4.5% year-over-year growth (+USD 4.725 billion). Meanwhile, accumulated profits totaled USD 252.5 million, reflecting a slight 0.18% increase compared to the same period last year. This result was driven by the strong performance of other incomes, particularly in commissions, which rose 7.26% (to USD 264.1 million), partially offsetting the 9.2% decline in net interest income (from USD 295.6 million to USD 268.4 million).
During the period analyzed, the banking sector showed positive progress. The latest data indicate that banks continue to exhibit stable sound financial indicators, supported by liquidity and solvency ratios, which stood at 56.7% and 15.34%, respectively. These figures confirm that banks operating in Panama have maintained levels well above the minimum regulatory requirements (30% for liquidity and 8% for solvency).
Regarding financial strength, liquidity, and capital adequacy indicators, banks operating within the CBI have demonstrated a solid operational position, evidenced by an average liquidity ratio of 54.50%, significantly exceeding regulatory minimums, and a Capital Adequacy Ratio of 15.29%, surpassing the 8% regulatory requirement. These results ensure an adequate buffer to absorb potential financial shocks in a volatile economic environment. This level of capitalization provides a strong safeguard against unexpected losses, supporting the banking system’s stability.
With these results, the CBI consolidates its financial recovery and strength, reaffirming its key role in Panama’s banking sector and its ability to adapt to a dynamic economic environment.
For more information on this report, visit our website at www.superbancos.gob.pa / Financial & Statistical Section.
