The International Banking Center (IBC) continues to demonstrate strength, resilience, and growth capacity, reflecting the confidence that depositors and investors place in Panama’s banking system. This is evidenced by the results of the Banking Activity Report (IAB) as of April 2026, published by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP).
IBC deposits reached USD 120,742.5 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 7.34%, equivalent to an additional USD 8,256.6 million compared to the same period in 2025. This performance was driven primarily by the strong growth of external deposits, which increased by 13.33%, while domestic deposits rose by 3.49%.
Within domestic deposits, deposits from individuals recorded notable growth of 5.71%, reflecting customers’ and depositors’ confidence in the stability and security of Panama’s banking system. Within the external component, deposits from individuals also posted significant growth of 12.78%, driven by increases in demand, savings, and time deposits.
These results further consolidate IBC’s position as a competitive and trusted regional platform for financial intermediation and deposit-taking, reinforcing its standing within the international banking landscape.
In terms of financial intermediation, the net loan portfolio reached USD 102,694.5 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 4.73%, or an additional USD 4,634.1 million. This performance reflects the banking system’s ability to continue supporting economic activity and expanding its regional reach, even amid a challenging international environment.
Loan portfolio growth was led by the external portfolio, which increased by 10.65%, while the domestic portfolio maintained positive growth of 1.37%. This trend reaffirms the IBC’s strategic role as a regional platform for lending and financial intermediation.
Meanwhile, net assets of the IBC totaled USD 166,727.4 million, representing a 5.3% increase compared to April 2025, while the securities investment portfolio reached USD 37,297.0 million, reflecting growth of 7.6%.
The favorable evolution of banks’ balance sheets continues to be supported by a strong liquidity position, sustained loan portfolio growth, and a stable funding structure based primarily on deposits.
Regarding prudential indicators, the National Banking System’s Legal Liquidity Ratio stood at 59.42%, well above the regulatory minimum of 30%. Likewise, the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) reached 16.04%, significantly exceeding the regulatory minimum of 8%, underscoring the financial strength and resilience of Panama’s banking system.
These results demonstrate that the IBC maintains a robust financial position, with the capacity to continue growing sustainably and navigate changing economic conditions while preserving high standards of solvency, liquidity, and risk management.
At the SBP, we remain committed to strengthening a risk-based supervisory approach focused on preserving the stability, transparency, and sustainability of the banking system. We continue to promote best practices in corporate governance, risk management, and capital adequacy to ensure the long-term stability and soundness of the banking sector.
For more details on the results of this report, please visit our website at www.superbancos.gob.pa, in the Financial and Statistics section
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