New rules for Panama banks

The measure that was approved establishes regulations for credit risk capital, and is applicable to all entities operating under the local system.

Monday, October 13, 2008


©image: SBP

Due to the growth and evolution of the risk profiles in existing credit portfolios, the Panama Superintendence of Banks (SBP) approved Accord No. 5-2008 on October 1, 2008.
The total index for capital adjustment cannot be less than 8% of average total of assets, plus the average out of balance operations that represent an irreversible backup based on their risk function.

More on this topic

Panama: Crisis does not halt demand for credit cards.

November 2008

In spite of inflation and the world financial crises, Panamanians continue acquiring credit cards and the banks have not increased their restrictions.

As of September of this year the banking system credit card balance reached 629.8 million dollars, up 5.6 million dollars as compared to August's numbers of 324.2 million dollars, according to the Bank Superintendent's Office.

S&P Also Upgrades Panama to Investment Grade

May 2010

Standard & Poor’s rated Panama as investment grade; Fitch did the same two months ago.

The risk rating agency raised Panama's long-term foreign- and local-currency sovereign credit ratings to “BBB-” from “BB+”.

"The upgrade reflects our assessment that continued economic growth--combined with moderate fiscal deficits--should reduce the government's debt burden and maintain its financial profile comfortably in line with that of other sovereigns in the 'BBB' rating category," said S&P credit analyst Roberto Sifon-Arevalo. The outlook on Panama is stable.

Moody's Upgrades Panama to Investment grade

June 2010

Moody's Investors Service on Wednesday upgraded Panama's sovereign ratings to investment grade of Baa3 from Ba1.

The change is based on a significant improvement in the country's fiscal and debt positions.

"The anticipated positive impact of fiscal policy initiatives on government accounts and prospects for sustained economic growth are at the core of the upgrade," said Alessandra Alecci, Moody's vice president and senior analyst. "The Panama Canal expansion and an ambitious infrastructure investment program are likely to support strong economic growth in the next few years, boding well for debt dynamics," added Alecci. The outlook is stable.

Modification to Banking Regulations in Guatemala

December 2008

Tomorrow the Superintendence of Banks (SIB) will request that the Monetary Board approve a modification of the Regulations for Credit Risk Management.

Even though bank portfolios in arrears are not at a critical level, the SIB will request that the Monetary Board make the changes to the rules in order for banks to increase their reserves for bad debts (loans).

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