The International Banking Center (IBC) continues to maintain a strong financial position, supported by sufficient liquidity, solid capitalization, and sustained growth in lending activity. These results are reflected in the Banking Activity Report (IAB) for May 2026, released by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP).
At the end of the reporting period, the IBC’s liquidity ratio stood at 60%, while the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) reached 16.04%, both well above the regulatory minimums of 30% and 8%, respectively. These indicators demonstrate the banking system’s resilience and its capacity to withstand periods of financial stress while continuing to support financial intermediation.
The system’s strong capital position is largely attributable to the progressive strengthening of the prudential framework through the implementation of the Capital Conservation Buffer and the initial phase of the buffer applicable to domestic systemically important banks. These additional capital requirements enhance the banking system’s capacity to absorb losses, preserve solvency, and sustain financial intermediation during periods of stress.
Taken together, these results underscore the resilience of the IBC, supported by robust liquidity and capital indicators, as well as sustained growth in lending activity.
IBC’s net loan portfolio reached USD 102,191.2 million, representing a year-on-year increase of 3.7%, or an additional USD 3,685.2 million compared with the same period of the previous year. This performance confirms the continuation of orderly credit expansion and the strengthening of financial intermediation.
Loan portfolio growth was driven primarily by the external portfolio. Net external lending increased by USD 3,472.3 million, or 9.71%, reaching USD 39,234.5 million, while the net domestic portfolio rose by USD 212.9 million, or 0.34%, totaling USD 62,956.7 million. This performance reaffirms IBC’s role as a regional financial intermediation platform, with international banking activity continuing to serve as a key driver of growth.
Meanwhile, total assets reached USD 167,440.4 million, representing a year-on-year increase of USD 10,664.3 million, or 6.8%. This favorable balance sheet performance was driven by higher liquid assets, continued growth in securities investments, increased deposits, and a stronger capital base.
Total deposits reached USD 121,090.3 million, reflecting a year-on-year increase of 7.4%, equivalent to an additional USD 8,369.9 billion compared with May 2025. Growth was driven primarily by external deposits, which increased by USD 4,827.4 million, or 10.74%, while domestic deposits grew by USD 3,542.4 million, or 5.23%.
Overall, these results demonstrate that the IBC continues to maintain a sound financial profile, supported by ample liquidity, robust capitalization, and balanced balance sheet growth.
The banking system's performance also continues to benefit from a favorable macroeconomic environment. Panama’s Monthly Economic Activity Index (IMAE), published by the National Institute of Statistics and Census (INEC) of the Office of the Comptroller General, recorded cumulative growth of approximately 5%, accompanied by low inflation and economic conditions that continue to support the stability of the financial system.
Against this backdrop, the IBC reaffirms its resilience and its capacity to continue supporting domestic and regional economic growth through prudent management, a strong financial position, and a sound banking system.
For additional information, the Banking Activity Report – May 2026 is available on the Superintendency of Banks of Panama’s website under the Financial and Statistics section.
