Regional banks battle to fill Central America vacuum

Colombian banks are moving into Central America as international banks depart. Regulation could drive further consolidation. The locals will need strength to survive – and thrive.

RODRIGO ZAMORA-600


Rodrigo Zamora, head of corporate banking at Lafise in Nicaragua

Banking in Central America is becoming a regional affair. The exit of Citi and HSBC has opened the door for the Colombian banks, which required little invitation to enter enthusiastically. 

Locals report the Colombians are being more aggressive in engaging with the domestic competition than the internationals that preceded them. This, in turn, is pressurizing local franchises in the region – and the leading banks in the key Central American jurisdictions – to react.

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