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CABEI Starts 2026 with an Upgraded Credit Rating

In an impressive start to the year 2026, the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (CABEI) proudly announces that its credit rating has been elevated from "AA" to "AA+" by the Japan Credit Rating Agency (JCR). This significant upgrade not only reflects CABEI's strong institutional framework but also underscores the strides made within the financial sector in Central America.

Reflecting Financial Milestones

This rating upgrade is a clear recognition of the institutional and financial achievements secured by CABEI throughout 2025, coinciding with the implementation of its 2025-2029 Financial Strategy. The enhancements in CABEI's financial health were evident through three exposure exchange agreements (EEAs) executed in 2025, amounting to a total of $1.6 billion. These EEAs were established with notable organizations such as the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF) and the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), as well as the Financial Fund for the Development of the River Plate Basin (FONPLATA).

The agreements, particularly executed in May and November of 2025, have significantly bolstered CABEI's credit exposure diversification. Additionally, these arrangements have further solidified the bank’s financial standing, highlighting its ability to navigate complexities in the global financial landscape.

Ensuring Prudent Management

The JCR evaluation praised CABEI’s consistent adherence to prudent financial management practices, which are in alignment with the institution's internal policies. The agency emphasized the bank's robust capital adequacy and solid liquidity, pointing to its impressive track record of generating consistent annual net income. This has played a vital role in reinforcing CABEI's equity while ensuring a 0% arrears ratio in its loan portfolio. Such metrics contribute significantly to CABEI’s status as a preferred creditor among its peers.

Moreover, JCR highlighted CABEI's ongoing efforts to diversify its funding sources. Noteworthy is the bank's recent debut in the United Kingdom’s Sterling Market, which signifies its commitment to expanding its funding avenues further.

Leadership's Vision

Gisela Sánchez, the Executive President of CABEI, expressed her enthusiasm regarding the rating upgrade, calling it excellent news to kickstart 2026. She indicated that this external recognition validates the institutional strength that CABEI has been diligently building under its new Institutional and Financial Strategy. With five positive rating actions in less than a year, the bank is on track to provide its member countries with the most competitive financial conditions possible.

CABEI's status as a leading multilateral development institution globally is further reinforced. With enhanced credit ratings, CABEI is well-positioned to attract the necessary resources essential for driving strategic projects that foster regional integration and sustainable growth across its member nations. This aligns with CABEI's core mission to elevate economic conditions throughout Central America and beyond, ensuring that the benefits of growth are widely shared among populations.

Conclusion

In summary, the credit rating upgrade from JCR symbolizes CABEI’s financial resilience and strategic direction, as it prepares to tackle the challenges and opportunities that the current global economic landscape offers. The year 2026 promises to be a transformative period for CABEI, guiding the institution towards innovative solutions and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing the lives of individuals and communities in Central America.