The Central Bank of Nicaragua published its February 2025 Indicators of the Banking and Financial Institutions System (SBF), reporting that the system remained solid, with liquidity and solvency above regulatory minima, double-digit growth in credit and public deposits, and improved asset quality and profitability. Public deposits grew 10.6% year on year to NIO 248,241.3 million, while the loan portfolio increased 20.6% to NIO 219,212.3 million. Performing loans represented 95.0% of gross loans and the past-due loan ratio was 1.4% (1.6% in February 2024). The cash and cash equivalents to public deposits ratio was 32.8%, and the legal reserve requirement (biweekly measure) showed overcompliance, with an end-month effective rate of 18.0% in domestic currency and 15.9% in foreign currency. Return on equity rose to 14.0% (12.2% in February 2024) and return on assets to 2.4% (2.1%), while the capital adequacy ratio was 18.0%, above the 10% legal requirement.
Central Bank of Nicaragua 2025-05-02
Central Bank of Nicaragua publishes February 2025 banking and financial institutions indicators
The Central Bank of Nicaragua's February 2025 Indicators report highlights the banking system's robust liquidity and solvency, with credit and public deposits experiencing double-digit growth. Public deposits rose by 10.6% to NIO 248,241.3 million, and the loan portfolio grew by 20.6% to NIO 219,212.3 million. Asset quality improved, with a past-due loan ratio of 1.4%, and profitability metrics like return on equity and assets also showed positive trends.