According to the Banking Activity Report (IAB) issued by the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP), the net credit portfolio of Panama’s International Banking Center (CBI) strengthened its position as the main driver of asset expansion, recording a 7.80% increase as of August 2025 and reaching a total of USD 99.61 billion compared to the same period last year.
This growth was led by the external segment, which rose by USD 5.46 billion (up 17.43%), while the domestic portfolio posted a more moderate increase of USD 1.75 billion (up 2.86%), in line with the behavior of domestic economic activity.
CBI deposits totaled USD 113.16 billion, marking a 7.03% increase year-over-year, confirming that deposits remain the primary source of funding. Within this category, domestic deposits grew by USD 2.38 billion (up 3.67%), while external deposits increased by USD 5.06 billion (up 12.35%), reaffirming the CBI’s appeal as a regional destination for capital, particularly of corporate source.
For the National Banking System (NBS), the gross portfolio of local loans reached USD 64.70 billion, up 2.6% or USD 1.63 billion year-over-year. Although positive, this performance reflects moderation compared to previous months, suggesting a slowdown in credit activity possibly linked to subdued demand and the lingering effects of temporary shutdowns in the second quarter, despite their subsequent resolution.
In terms of new loans, the NBS recorded disbursements totaling USD 9.81 billion, an increase of USD 1.86 billion (up 23.3%) from the same period last year. This performance consolidates the recovery observed since mid-year, within a still-challenging macroeconomic environment following sectoral disruptions in the second quarter.
Meanwhile, CBI net assets reached USD 158.64 billion, reflecting an annual increase of 6.8% or USD 10.10 billion, underscoring the continuity of a strategy focused on expanding productive assets and optimizing balance sheet management amid heightened regional competition for liquidity and tighter international financial conditions.
The CBI maintains robust liquidity and solvency indicators, with both the Legal Liquidity Ratio and Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) standing above the regulatory threshold at 51.51%. The Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR) remains comfortably above the minimum regulatory requirement at 15.78%, nearly double the required
minimum, reflecting a strong capital buffer that ensures sufficient capacity to absorb potential external or credit shocks.
These results demonstrate that the banks comprising the CBI continue to show solid performance, supported by prudent management and strong adaptability in a dynamic economic environment. For more information, please visit www.superbancos.gob.pa — Financial and Statistical Section.
