The National Banking System (NBS) maintains a solid financial position at the end of May 2025, supported by appropriate risk management, prudent levels of solvency and liquidity, and reasonably positive operational performance despite a challenging international environment, according to the latest Banking Activity Report published by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP).
This is evidenced by the results of the International Banking Center’s (CBI) credit portfolio, which totaled USD 98.506 billion, reflecting a 9.5% increase compared to the same period last year when it stood at USD 89.996 billion.
Meanwhile, NBS’s gross local credit portfolio reached USD 64.6524 billion, marking a 4.5% increase or an additional USD 2.7932 billion, with notable dynamism in the agriculture, commerce, and personal consumption sectors. However, contractions were observed in sectors such as fishing, construction, and livestock.
The credit indicators show year-on-year improvement; however, potential lagged impacts from operational interruptions during the second quarter, especially in regions affected by protests, are highlighted.
The deposit portfolio continues to consolidate system stability. In the CBI, deposits totaled USD 112.720 billion, a 6.3% increase or approximately USD 6.685 billion more, while in the NBS deposits reached USD 98.495 billion, a 5.2% increase or USD 4.828 billion, driven mainly by non-resident personal deposits. This performance reaffirms the system’s appeal as a regional capital destination.
The net assets of the CBI and NBS recorded year-on-year growth exceeding 6%, totaling USD 156.776 billion, representing an additional USD 8.841 billion.
This dynamism is attributed to the performance of the loan portfolio and investments in securities, which also contributed to the growth of productive assets. This diversified balance sheet structure strengthens system stability in the face of adverse scenarios.
The CBI demonstrates strong liquidity and solvency metrics: the legal liquidity ratio stands at 56.9%, and the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) comfortably exceeds the regulatory threshold. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remains with ample margin above the regulatory minimum at 15.71%, ensuring a sufficient buffer to absorb potential external or credit shocks.
This performance confirms the Panamanian banking system’s ability to adapt to an environment of heightened demands, while maintaining adequate levels of profitability, liquidity, and solvency. Nevertheless, the international context and local factors will require continued focus on operational efficiency, income diversification, and asset quality preservation.
For more details on the results of this report, please visit our website at www.superbancos.gob.pa, under the Financial and Statistical section.
