Best bank: Itaú Unibanco
Itaú Unibanco’s strategy in Paraguay in 2025 pursued customer experience improvements, sustainable profitability, employee experience gains and business growth. By year-end, the bank held 14.45% loan market share, ranking third in the sector, and 14.48% deposit market share, ranking second. Profitability was also strong, while customer experience scores remained high with individual NPS of 77 and corporate NPS of 75.
Digitalisation was central to each of these priorities, with 2025 developments showing digital capabilities being used to reshape both retail and corporate banking. On the retail side, the most important launch was 100% digital pre-approved unsecured personal loans through the mobile app in October 2025.
Previously, this type of loan approval was handled entirely in person. Within less than three months, the bank had issued more than 700 loans, totalling over $15 million, with only 30% of these transactions still processed through physical channels. That represents a meaningful shift toward mobile self-service, with customers able to apply digitally and receive instant disbursement 24/7, up to a limit of PYG250 million ($41,000).
For corporate clients, the standout 2025 development was the launch of Open Banking Itaú, a secure API-based solution aimed at companies with high transaction volumes. Through Open Banking Itaú, corporates can integrate their management systems directly with the bank, enabling real-time payments, collections, reconciliations and enquiries without needing to access the bank’s website.
The solution reduces manual steps, lowers the risk of human error, improves operational security and gives companies more fluid control over daily financial processes. It is supported by a 100% digital subscription, no bank maintenance fees and a specialised implementation team, helping reduce adoption friction. By the end of 2025, more than 40 companies had subscribed, showing clear market uptake.
