Net loan portfolios have strengthened as the leading driver of asset growth in Panama’s International Banking Center (IBC), reaching a balance of USD 99,476.2 million, an increase of 8.01% or USD 7,381.1 million.
This growth was led by the external portfolio, which rose by USD 5,514.1 million (+17.49%), while the domestic portfolio posted a more moderate expansion of USD 1,746.7 million (+2.78%), in line with the performance of domestic economic activity.
According to the Banking Activity Report published by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP) as of July 2025, this trend reflects greater dynamism in regional intermediation and increased selectivity in local credit origination.
Deposits remained the primary funding source, totaling USD 113,126.1 million, up 7.5% or USD 7,871.5 million compared to the same period last year. Within this category, domestic deposits increased by USD 2,794.4 million, while external deposits rose by USD 5,077.1 million.
This performance reaffirms the IBC’s appeal as a regional destination for capital, particularly of corporate and wealth management origin.
Net assets of the IBC recorded year-on-year growth of 6.7%, reaching USD 157,807.8 million, equivalent to USD 9,956.4 million in additional assets. This performance underscores the continuation of a strategy focused on expanding productive assets and optimizing balance sheet use, within a regional environment marked by competition for liquidity and tighter international financial conditions.
The observed evolution points to an efficient allocation of resources and prudent balance sheet management, helping preserve solid solvency metrics and leverage levels consistent with a moderate risk profile.
The banking system continues to report strong liquidity indicators, with an average Legal Liquidity Index of 54.79%, well above the minimum regulatory requirement. Compliance with the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) further reinforces the sector’s capacity to withstand financial stress scenarios. The IBC’s Capital Adequacy Ratio stood at 15.71%, significantly above the minimum required 8%, providing a solid buffer to absorb financial shocks and ensure business continuity.
The system’s capital and liquidity strength provide resilience against adverse scenarios. However, the current environment demands a sharper focus on operational efficiency, strengthened asset and liability management, diversification
of income sources, and mitigation of risks associated with the growing concentration of external funding and rising financial costs.
The SBP reiterates its commitment to maintaining a risk-based supervisory approach, closely monitoring margins, portfolio quality, and capital strength, with the objective of preserving financial stability and supporting sustainable sector growth.
For more details on the results of this report, please visit our website at www.superbancos.gob.pa, under the Financial and Statistical section.
