$2.681 billion in 2025 earnings put Panama’s banking system sixth in Latin America, ahead of Costa Rica, Argentina, Guatemala, the Dominican Republic and Ecuador despite a population under 5 million.
Panama’s fully dollarized system helped drive that result by limiting currency risk and supporting investor confidence, while banks passed higher global funding costs into local loan rates to widen net interest margins.
More than $150 billion in assets at the International Banking Center underscored the sector’s scale, with corporate demand also supported by links to the Panama Canal Authority and maritime trade.
Banco General and other local lenders remain among Central America’s strongest banks, reinforcing Panama’s standing as a regional financial hub and frequent host of FELABAN industry events.