Financial Integration in Central America

Central American financial integration is progressing fast fueled by private sector belief that regionalization is the way to more profitable business.

Monday, September 13, 2010


©image: CentralAmericaData.COM

Jorge Barboza, economist from the Executive Secretariat of the Central American Monetary Council (known as SECMCA in Spanish), analyzes progress and remaining actions to be taken toward Central American financial supervision and regulation.

"Regionalization of the various financial groups is becoming reality in Central America. Ignoring it or acting as though it didn't exist is impossible because it becoming more and more important. As a result, effective cross-border supervision will be key to the region's future financial stability. While national banking laws have been modernized in recent years, this has not been coordinated regionally leaving significant differences in standards of regulation. This can lead to regulatory loopholes and financial system vulnerability".

More on this topic

Salvadorian Banks: Fitch Annual Review & Outlook

April 2008

El Salvador's banking system exhibited moderate growth in 2007, primarily aided by a continued increase in consumer loans and mortgages, as well as faster commercial loan growth, according to a Fitch special report published today, titled 'Salvadoran Banks: Annual Review and Outlook'.

In 2007, El Salvadoran banks' total assets expanded by 11.4% in nominal terms (5.8% in real terms), while overall net profits declined by 12.4%, due to higher provisions. Additionally, non-performing loans increased to 2.1% of total loans as of December 2007 (versus 1.9% in 2006), despite significant non-performing loans throughout 2007. However, loan loss reserves appear to be adequate and relatively stable in terms of both non-performing loans (120%) and total loans (2.5%).

Opportunities for Central American Banking

March 2012

Fitch Ratings has conducted analysis on the hidden potential of the banking systems of countries in the region.

The prevailing economic environment in Central America is forcing banks to preserve and enhance profitability. The performance of financial systems continues to face pressure from the relatively high credit costs related to the high proportion of loans granted to individuals and small and medium enterprises.

State insurance monopoly ended in Costa Rica

April 2008

With 29 votes to 14 in favor, the legislative assemply yesterday approved the first reading of the bill through which the state monopoly on the insurance market would be ended. The bill establishes rules that will enable private companies to enter the market.

The new law would grant administrative facilities and would forgive some financial costs to the National Insurance Institute in order to maintain its competitivity in the face of probable participation by national and foreign companies.

Bank Lafise in Costa Rica Shifts to Consumer Banking

April 2010

The banking institution will shift its focus from corporate clientele to retail banking.

Gilberto Serrano, Lafise manager, explained that in 2010 the bank will grant more loans for home and auto buying, as well as consumption. They plan to open more branches and hire experienced staff in this area.

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