The International Banking Center in Panama reported a 5.5 percent annual increase in its net loan portfolio through October 2025. Official data released this week shows the sector’s total credit reached $100.1 billion, driven primarily by strong foreign lending activity.<\/p>\n
According to the latest Banking Activity Report from Panama’s banking regulator, the growth underscores the sector’s ongoing expansion. The foreign loan portfolio jumped 12.38 percent to $36.83 billion. Domestic lending saw a more modest rise of 1.63 percent, reaching $63.26 billion.<\/p>\n
\n“The credit portfolio consolidates as the main engine of asset expansion,” the report from the Superintendency of Banks of Panama<\/a> stated. [Translated from Spanish] “Banks continue advancing in credit placement while implementing business line expansion initiatives.”<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
This credit growth directly fueled a rise in the center’s net assets, which climbed 4.44 percent to $160.38 billion. Analysts view the figures as a sign of strategic growth in productive assets despite a competitive regional landscape for liquidity.<\/p>\n
Deposits and New Credit Issuance Show Strength<\/h2>\n
Deposits remained the primary funding source for the banking system, growing 5.91 percent to $115.29 billion. Foreign deposits led this increase with a 10.21 percent surge. Private individual deposits within the foreign segment grew an impressive 13.25 percent.<\/p>\n
This deposit behavior strengthens Panama’s role as a regional funding hub. The nation’s International Banking Center<\/a> continues to attract capital from abroad.<\/p>\n
New credit flows within the National Banking System also expanded, totaling $22.2 billion from January through October. This represents a 5.2 percent increase compared to the same period in 2024. The commercial portfolio captured the largest share of new disbursements, skyrocketing by approximately 47 percent.<\/p>\n
Other sectors saw notable increases as well. Personal consumption loans grew 3.2 percent, livestock lending rose 3.3 percent, and mining and quarrying activity witnessed a significant jump from a low base.<\/p>\n
Regulatory Ratios Indicate a Robust Financial Cushion<\/h2>\n