The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador reported that the Salvadoran financial system remained stable during the first five months of 2026 and continued to perform its financial intermediation functions without disruption. Loan growth continued with what the bank described as adequate portfolio quality, while deposit growth, liquidity and solvency indicators remained above suggested and legal minimums. Total credit reached USD 21.626 billion, up USD 1.624 billion from a year earlier, for annual growth of 8.1%. Growth was led by business lending, which expanded 10.5%, or USD 1.071 billion, with construction, التجارة, services and manufacturing accounting for 62% of the productive portfolio. Household lending also increased, rising 5.6%, or USD 552.6 million, led by housing finance growth of 6.7% and consumer lending growth of 5.2%. Deposits reached USD 24.632 billion, up 14.9% year on year. On prudential metrics, the nonperforming loan ratio stood at 1.6% against a 4% prudential standard, the solvency ratio was 15.1% against a 12% legal minimum, and financial system profit totaled USD 202.9 million at end-May 2026.
Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador2026-07-08
Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador reports financial system stability as credit rises 8.1% and deposits 14.9%
The Central Reserve Bank of El Salvador said the financial system remained stable in the first five months of 2026, with continued loan growth and deposits rising strongly. Credit reached USD 21.626 billion, up 8.1% year on year, while deposits rose 14.9% to USD 24.632 billion. Asset quality and capital metrics remained above prudential and legal minimums, with a 1.6% nonperforming loan ratio and a 15.1% solvency ratio.