The Central Bank of Nicaragua published its Banking and Finance System (SBF) indicators for May 2025, reporting solid performance supported by continued growth in credit and deposits. The update notes that credit institutions maintained adequate liquidity and solvency, while increased intermediation activity contributed to improved profitability. Through May 2025, the SBF raised resources mainly from higher obligations to the public (NIO 16,584.3 million) and higher equity (NIO 2,894.3 million), which were used primarily to expand the loan portfolio (NIO 8,470.6 million) and investments (NIO 6,115.3 million); obligations to financial institutions fell by NIO 3,762.0 million. Public deposits grew 9.9% year on year to NIO 255,529.6 million and the credit portfolio increased 15.8% to NIO 220,996.2 million, with performing loans at 95.1% of gross loans and a past-due loan ratio of 1.4% (1.6% in May 2024). Liquidity, measured as cash and cash equivalents over public deposits, stood at 34.1%; the biweekly legal reserve showed overcompliance in both local and foreign currency, with an end-month effective rate of 15.5% in each. Profitability and capital metrics were ROE 13.6% (12.2% in May 2024), ROA 2.4% (2.1%), and capital adequacy 18.6% (18.7%).
Central Bank of Nicaragua 2025-07-07
Central Bank of Nicaragua publishes May 2025 banking and finance system indicators highlighting strong credit and deposit growth
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported solid performance in its Banking and Finance System indicators for May 2025, driven by growth in credit and deposits. Public deposits rose 9.9% year-on-year to NIO 255,529.6 million, while the credit portfolio increased 15.8% to NIO 220,996.2 million. Liquidity was strong at 34.1%, with profitability and capital metrics improving, including a return on equity of 13.6% and a capital adequacy ratio of 18.6%.