The Central Bank of Nicaragua (BCN) published its January 2025 Indicators of the Banking and Financial System, reporting that sector conditions continued the positive dynamics seen in 2024. Credit and public deposits started the year with double-digit growth, while credit quality and profitability remained stable and liquidity and solvency stayed above regulatory limits. In January, the system’s funding reflected increases in other liabilities (NIO 2,247.5 million) and obligations to the public (NIO 2,092.3 million), alongside a reduction in cash (NIO 1,104.0 million). These resources were mainly allocated to increases in the gross loan portfolio (NIO 3,798.0 million) and investments (NIO 1,596.4 million), and to a reduction in obligations to financial institutions (NIO 1,193.2 million). Public deposits rose 10.3% year on year to NIO 241,110.5 million and the credit portfolio increased 20.3% to NIO 216,323.5 million; 94.9% of the gross portfolio was performing and the delinquency ratio was 1.4% (1.6% in January 2024). The liquidity ratio of cash and cash equivalents to public deposits was 32.2%, legal reserve requirements showed overcompliance in both domestic and foreign currency with end-month effective rates of 16.8% and 16.2% respectively, ROE was 13.9% and ROA 2.4%, and the capital adequacy ratio was 18.5% versus a 10% legal requirement.
Central Bank of Nicaragua 2025-02-28
Central Bank of Nicaragua publishes January 2025 banking system indicators showing 20.3% credit growth and 10.3% deposit growth
The Central Bank of Nicaragua reported continued positive dynamics in the banking and financial sector for January 2025, with double-digit growth in credit and public deposits. Credit quality and profitability remained stable, while liquidity and solvency exceeded regulatory limits. Key metrics included a 10.3% rise in public deposits, a 20.3% increase in the credit portfolio, and a capital adequacy ratio of 18.5% against a 10% requirement.