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Bladex Reports Record Profit in First Quarter 2026

Bladex, or Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A., proudly announced a robust net profit of $56.4 million for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 9% increase compared to the same period last year. This achievement was reported on April 27, 2026, and is seen as a testament to the bank's ability to navigate and thrive amidst challenging financial environments.

Founded in 1979 by the central banks of 23 Latin-American and Caribbean nations, Bladex's core mission has always been to enhance foreign trade and economic integration across the region. The bank operates with an aim to be a pivotal financial driver for its member countries, and its recent financial results indicate substantial progress toward these goals.

The figures from the first quarter highlight Bladex's effective balance sheet expansion as well as disciplined revenue generation strategies. One of the key metrics, earnings per share, was reported at $1.31, although this reflects the deduction of the AT1 coupon from net profits attributable to common shareholders.

In terms of profitability, the adjusted annualized return on equity (ROE) reached 14.2% for this quarter, demonstrating the bank's commitment to optimizing funding and maintaining strong growth across various sectors. Including the effects of the AT1 issuance completed in September 2025, Bladex registered an annualized ROE of 13.5%.

Net Interest Income (NII) also showed promising growth, totaling $70.2 million, which resonates with the bank's success in capturing higher average business volumes—a solid 8% increase year-over-year. However, the Net Interest Margin experienced a slight decrease to 2.34%, primarily due to competitive pricing challenges arising from lower base rates and increased market liquidity.

In addition to net interest revenue, fees and non-interest income totaled $12.9 million. This figure marks a 2% rise year-on-year, supported largely by heightened client transactions and robust engagement efforts. Specifically, the bank's off-balance sheet services, including letters of credit, exhibited particularly strong growth, with a remarkable 24% increase in fees generated from these operations.

A noteworthy facet of Bladex's financial health is illustrated by its efficiency ratio, recorded at 26.5% for Q1 2026. This reflects the bank's strategic focus on increasing total revenues while carefully managing operating expenses, which saw a 5% rise in correlation to ongoing technology investments and other modernization initiatives.

The credit portfolio has reached an all-time high with a total of $13,487 million, a notable 13% growth year-over-year. The strength of Bladex's commercial portfolio echoes this trend, soaring to $12,047 million. The bank's new strategic innovation—establishing a Commercial Bond Portfolio with a principal balance of $234 million—further exemplifies its proactive approach to capital deployment.

In terms of asset quality, 97.5% of the bank’s credit portfolio remains classified as low-risk or Stage 1, indicating robust management of credit risks. Despite this, Stage 2 exposures slightly increased to 2.2%, reflecting cautious assessments under compounded macroeconomic pressures.

Furthermore, customer base diversification has been reinforced with the deposit base reaching nearly $7,307 million, a historic milestone, denoting a 25% yearly increase. This strengthened position symbolizes confidence from fund providers across the bank’s operational spectrum.

In closing, Bladex showcased a stellar liquidity position totaling $1,988 million, which accounts for 14.5% of its total assets and reflects its continued access to market funding. The bank's Tier 1 Capital and Regulatory Capital Adequacy Ratios stood at 17.9% and 14.7%, consistently exceeding internal benchmarks and regulatory requirements.

Overall, Bladex's Q1 2026 performance underscores its resilience and forward-thinking strategies, reinforcing its strategic role within Latin America's financial landscape. Investors, stakeholders, and customers alike can look forward to further developments and insights during the upcoming conference call scheduled for April 28, 2026.