The Panamanian credit system's balance for 2025 reached $41,406 million. According to Experian, there is a sustained improvement in delinquency indicators and a growth in bank credit closely correlated with the country's GDP. The Panamanian credit system concluded the period with stable performance and orderly growth, according to the annual report presented by Giovanna Cardellicchio, General Manager for Panama at Experian. The total portfolio balance, integrating all industries and not including 'contra reserve' obligations, amounted to $41,406,990,847, representing a 2.14% annual increase compared to December 2024. This growth reflects a gradual recovery aligned with the country's economic activity, where bank credit increased by 4% overall, maintaining a direct correlation with the estimated growth of Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Sector analysis confirms that banking entities maintain absolute market leadership, concentrating 90% of the total balance with over $36,963 million. Financial companies and cooperatives, in turn, recorded a 4% participation each, while other system actors make up the remaining 2%. Regarding product distribution, the mortgage portfolio consolidated as the pillar of financing, representing 52.81% of the total balance. It is followed by personal loans with 27.36%, credit cards with 8.09%, and auto financing with 6.08%. Behavior of main portfolios Auto financing stood out as the most dynamic segment during the year, with a growth close to 12% in its total balance, reaching $2,518 million. Likewise, the number of vehicle loans increased by 14%, reflecting an expanding market. The personal loan portfolio also showed a positive advance of 3.67%, with a 9.1% increase in the granting of new obligations. In the credit card arena, banks led the volume with a balance of $2,939 million, and also achieved a reduction in delinquency over 61 days, which fell from 9.2% to 8.6%. Financial health and prospects General delinquency indicators showed sustained improvements, resulting from consumer resilience and the strengthening of risk assessment processes by institutions. In the mortgage segment, delinquency over 61 days dropped to 4.88%, compared to 5.25% the previous year. For 2026, Cardellicchio's report envisions a favorable scenario characterized by healthier portfolios, greater adoption of digital credit, and the boost from government megaprojects that could dynamize the economy and reduce unemployment, currently above 10%.
