In addition to this extensive physical infrastructure, the bank has strengthened its digital channels to offer modern and efficient banking solutions.
This combination has allowed Banrural to consolidate as a leader in the Guatemalan banking sector, adapting to the changing needs of its clients and promoting financial inclusion throughout the national territory.
Mr. Juan Luis Fonseca, general manager of Banrural Guatemala, offered an exclusive interview with Press Libre, in which he shares the main achievements of 2024, among which positive indicators of liquidity, solvency and profitability.
Could you share what Banrural performance was in 2024?
Banrural had an excellent performance thanks to its financial solidity, adequate corporate governance and portfolio of products and services according to the needs and expectations of our customers. We are the second largest bank in the country and the third in Central America, and the one with the greatest national coverage with 11,891 points of attention and digital channels.
We ratify our position as bank number 1 in financial inclusion; We reached Q121 billion in assets, Q98 billion in deposits and obtained the AA rating (GTM) of Fitch Ratings and AA+ of Moody’s, the best for Guatemalan capital banks.
On the other hand, we have the largest market share in the payment of remittances, with 53.7% and handle 52% of the country’s productive loan portfolio.
How does banrural contribute to the economic development of the country and access to credit for sectors generally excluded?
We are an institution with a name and two surnames, because we are the Rural Development Bank. Our main objective is to contribute to the growth of the rural area of Guatemala. Throughout our 27 years of operations, we have worked to reach non -banking sectors. We are a mixed capital company, with more than 13,500 direct shareholders, a reflection of the country’s social fabric.
How has the digitalization of Banrural financial services evolved?
Permanently our projects focus on digital transformation. The challenge is great because, without losing our essence, we have to respond to market demand. At present, 42% of the transactions made in the bank are managed through digital channels. To dimension the magnitude of what Banrural is doing, it is important to remember that we have a portfolio of 3.5 million customers, which implies a greater effort in relation to other system banks.
What is the importance of the MSME in the Banrural portfolio?
The MSME sector is essential for the bank; It is no accident that within its share composition this sector is represented. Banrural has created and offers products according to their needs, including fiduciary credits, tax and mortgages. We are leaders in the country’s financial market in the granting of productive credits; A high percentage of these credits is aimed at the MSMEs, who find in Banrural a solid and reliable partner.
What is Banrural’s vision regarding the role of Fintech In the transformation of the financial system?
In banrural we see the Fintech positively. We see them as future strategic allies, since they will allow us to be much more agile in what we do. Of course, this without losing sight of the fact that it is necessary to implement regulations that allow more adequate operation, prioritizing customer safety.
What is Banrural’s relationship with the Banking Association of Guatemala (ABG) and what kind of initiatives have worked together?
An issue that worries us in the country’s financial system is cybersecurity. In ABG, a committee that is working on the cybersecurity issue for the entire banking system was formed. We are sharing information and we are protecting ourselves against cyber criminals. In what corresponds to Banrural, the technological update is continuous and important investments have been made in this issue. For us cybersecurity is a priority issue.