The Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP) held the XXIV Banking and Trust Services Update Forum, “Challenges Facing the Financial System,” an event focused on examining the key changes and risks affecting the financial sector and their implications for the administration of justice.
The event brought together magistrates, judges, prosecutors, and legal advisers from public institutions, who participated in an academic program designed to deepen their understanding of legal, financial, technological, and regulatory matters of particular relevance to Panama.
The event was opened by Superintendent of Banks Milton Ayón Wong, who highlighted the value of the forum as a platform for strengthening specialized knowledge and facilitating the exchange of experiences among professionals involved in the administration of justice and the financial sector.
In his remarks, the Superintendent noted that technological transformation and the evolution of financial markets are changing the nature of the risks facing the industry. In this context, he underscored the need to continue strengthening supervisory and risk management capabilities, particularly in areas such as information security, financial consumer protection, banking system stability, and the prevention of money laundering.
Ayón Wong also highlighted SBP’s progress in strengthening its supervisory framework in response to the evolving dynamics of the financial system and the standards required in an increasingly digital, interconnected, and complex environment.
The academic program addressed matters of particular relevance to the financial and judicial sectors. Topics included the performance of Panama’s International Banking Center (IBC); crypto-assets from a criminal investigation perspective; new criminal obligations and risks for banking institutions arising from Law 478 of 2025; fraud involving the use of artificial intelligence and deepfakes; and digital financial crimes.
Another key focus of the forum was the trust regime, with particular emphasis on collateral trusts used in real estate projects and the risks arising from the improper use of this legal structure. The topic was presented by international consultant Jorge Porras, who shared analytical perspectives on its legal and financial implications.
The program also included presentations on insolvency and bank resolution, the role of creditors, and the challenges associated with technological transformation, information security, and technology and operational risk. These matters are increasingly relevant amid the growing digitalization of financial services and the need to strengthen the industry’s capacity to respond to emerging risk scenarios.
During the forum, the SBP recognized Delia Cárdenas, former Superintendent of Banks, for her leadership in the creation and advancement of the Banking and Trust Services Update Forum. Over the course of its 24 editions, the forum has become an important platform for professional development and knowledge sharing among professionals in the legal, financial, and judicial sectors.
The 24th edition provided an opportunity to examine the changes taking place across the financial system and their implications for the legal and regulatory framework, promoting a comprehensive understanding of the challenges arising from the transformation of the financial industry.
The SBP will continue to promote training, analysis, and knowledge-sharing opportunities with stakeholders involved in the financial system and the administration of justice as part of its efforts to strengthen technical capabilities, legal certainty, and confidence in Panama’s banking and trust services sector.
