The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador reported stable liquidity and capital conditions alongside continued lending growth in its assessment of the financial system at the close of the third quarter of 2026. The solvency ratio exceeded the statutory minimum of 12.0% by more than 300 basis points. Regulatory requirements for liquid assets increased liquidity holdings relative to total deposits. Liquidity reserves represented 12.4% of deposits in September 2024, compared with a combined 16.7% for liquid assets and liquidity reserves in September 2026. The latter measure includes excess holdings in both categories. Credit balances maintained an upward trend for more than 36 consecutive months, supported by demand from productive sectors, particularly commerce, services and construction. Business lending accounted for around 53% of total credit, while the reported arrears rate was 1.5%. Household financing also expanded, with mortgage lending rising 8.0% and consumer lending increasing 6.0% year over year.
Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador reports higher liquidity and continued lending growth
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador reported continued credit expansion and stable liquidity and capital conditions through the third quarter of 2026. Liquid assets and liquidity reserves, including excess holdings, represented 16.7% of deposits, while solvency stood more than 300 basis points above the 12.0% legal minimum. Lending maintained an upward trend for more than 36 consecutive months, with businesses accounting for around 53% of credit and the reported arrears rate at 1.5%.