BCT Bank International S.A.
Status: Proposed investmentWhy disclosure?
FMO is committed to making publicly available relevant investment information that informs stakeholders and enables them to engage directly with FMO on its investments which, in turn, enhances our investment decisions, the design and implementation of projects and policies, and strengthens development outcomes. Learn more
In case of questions
We welcome feedback on this proposed investment opportunity for FMO. The ending of the proposed investment phase is indicated on the right side of this page. In case of questions, please contact us at disclosure@fmo.nl
Disclaimer
The information as disclosed is indicative and provided on an "as-is/as available" basis for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or investment advice, nor as a commitment or an offer to arrange or provide any financing. The final decision to provide financing is subject to the terms and conditions of FMO in its sole and absolute discretion. When providing links to other sites, FMO bears no responsibility for the accuracy, legality or content of the external site or for that of subsequent links. The information on proposed investment for high-risk investments is made available in the language relevant to the country or region where the bulk of operations take place. Translations of any information into languages other than English are intended as a convenience for local stakeholders. In case of any discrepancy, the information provided in English will prevail.
Who is our prospective customer?
BCT Bank International, S.A. (“BCT Bank”) is a universal private bank based in Panama, with a strong focus on serving the SME and corporate segments—particularly within construction and real estate, commerce, and manufacturing. As of year-end 2024, the bank reported total assets of USD 816 mln and a loan portfolio of USD 558 mln.
What is our funding objective?
The facility concerns a USD 30mln senior unsecured loan, split into a USD 20mln committed and a USD 10mln uncommitted tranche. 60% of FMO’s financing will be directed toward green loans, contributing to the design and deployment of sustainable finance services and products. The remaining 40% will support the bank’s broader SME lending, further enhancing access to finance for a key driver of the Panama economy.
Why do we want to fund this investment?
SMEs are fundamental to Panama’s economic growth, playing a central role in job creation and contributing significantly to GDP. Through this transaction, FMO will help strengthen the SME sector and promote inclusive economic development. Furthermore, providing financing to green projects in Panama will contribute to FMO’s strategic goal to create jobs and reduce GHG emissions and support BCT Bank’s ongoing efforts to embed sustainable finance into its core business strategy.
What is the Environmental and Social categorization rationale?
BCT Bank has been categorized as an E&S FI-A client due to its exposure to certain activities and the context in which it operates. Despite its relatively small portfolio, BCT Bank's categorization stems from its exposure to high E&S risk level activities such as construction, real estate, agriculture and manufacturing. Besides, the fact that BCT Bank's portfolio is in two countries (Panama and Costa Rica) increases complexity for E&S risk management and leads to a higher categorization.
- Website customer/investment
- https://www.bctbank.com.pa/
- Region
- Latin America & The Caribbean
- Country
- Panama
- Sector
- Financial Institutions
- Publication date
- 8/19/2025
- Deadline for feedback
- 10/18/2025
- Total FMO financing
- USD 20.00 MLN
- Funding
- FMO NV
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Risk categorization on environmental and social impacts, A = high risk, B+ = medium high risk, B = medium risk, C = low risk
Environmental & Social Category
(A, B+, B or C) - A