Visa and the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP) signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at promoting and strengthening financial education for young people, adults, entrepreneurs, and microbusiness owners throughout the country.
To mark the partnership, the two institutions hosted an educational event in which students from Panamanian public schools participated in a live Financial Soccer tournament, an interactive video game developed by Visa in partnership with FIFA. The platform uses soccer as a fun and engaging way to test players of all ages on personal finance and business management concepts, transforming topics such as saving, budgeting, and responsible credit use into an interactive learning experience.
“Financial education is the cornerstone upon which financial inclusion and a country’s economic well-being are built. In an increasingly complex and rapidly digitizing global environment, it is essential to equip young people with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their future,” said Liz Marie Pareja, Country Manager for Visa in Panama, Nicaragua, and Belize. “We are honored to partner with the Superintendency of Banks of Panama in this effort. Seeing these students learn to take control of their finances while having fun is a perfect example of what we aim to achieve: empowered individuals who contribute to building a prosperous economy.”
In Panama, this interactive platform serves as a valuable tool for advancing financial education and strengthening the skills of children, young people, and adults to manage their resources effectively and make informed financial decisions.
“At the Superintendency of Banks of Panama, we recognize the importance of promoting initiatives that strengthen the financial capabilities of our population. Better-informed citizens contribute to the well-being of families, the development of communities, and the progress of the country,” said Milton Ayón Wong.
Financial Soccer includes features such as team and tournament selection, as well as multiple learning levels of increasing complexity. To advance through the game, players must correctly answer financial literacy questions and make sound decisions regarding the management of their finances throughout the tournament.
As part of this agreement, Visa and the SBP are pursuing to maximize the reach and adoption of digital educational platforms throughout the country. Through joint outreach initiatives, both organizations will facilitate free access to Visa’s innovative educational tools, designed exclusively for learning purposes and intended to help users develop personal finance and business management skills.
The agreement establishes a framework under which Visa provides the technology platforms, educational resources, and global brand guidelines, while the SBP leads visibility and adoption strategies to ensure these resources effectively reach their target audiences, promoting financial well-being from classrooms to small businesses across Panama.
