Panamanian Banks: Full of Money

Panamanian banks were prudent and dodged the crisis successfully; they are now full of cash, and eager to lend money.

Tuesday, April 27, 2010

With close to $13 billion in liquid assets, banks in Panama are getting ready to finance the Government’s large infrastructure projects, which require $2.4 billion in 2010 and $3.2 billion in 2011. In the 5 years of Martinelli’s government, the State is expected to invest around $15.6 billion.

An article in Martesfinanciero.com printed statements by Alexis Arjona, senior vice president at Banco Aliado: “We pay close attention to the government’s ambitious infrastructure investment plan, as it will bring many financing opportunities from companies awarded with large contracts”.

Estimates for Panama’s economic growth for the next years are above others like Brazil, Chile and Peru, resulting in an exceptionally optimistic outlook for Panamanian banks.

More on this topic

$20 Million for Small and Medium Sized Panamanian Enterprises

August 2010

The Inter-American Investment Corporation (IIC) has authorized a credit line to BBVA Panamá with the aim of giving SMEs access to finance.

The credit line seeks to make funds available to small and medium sized Panamanian companies, to help cover their operating costs and includes finance for working capital and revolving credit lines. This is the IIC’s second operation with BBVA Panamá.

Liquidity, Liquidity, Liquidity

May 2009

Profitability drops as asset liquidity increases, but liquidity is what ensures the life of the banking business and their customers' money.

Panamanian banks have not used the extra funds that the financial incentive program (PEF) made available to them in order to stimulate lending. In addition, it must be considered that said funds are very expensive, and they have simply not been needed.

Aid proposed for Panama banks

January 2009

The Panama Bank Association (ABP) recommended that the Government start, as soon as possible, a program to reactivate the economy via the banks.

Prensa.com reports: "This means that the State can drive the economy via local banks by granting loans to sectors that will generate employment and wealth for the country," said the new president of the ABP, Moises Cohen, in his inauguration speech.

Panamanian Banks Will Pay 50% More Taxes

November 2009

The effective income tax rate paid by banks (known as ISR in Spanish), could increase to somewhere between 14% and 15%.

Eduardo Lee, who represents the banking establishment in this negotiation with the State, submitted a proposal in which banks will have to distribute costs proportionally to how much they earn from their domestic and foreign operations.


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