Itaú

Non-performing loans in the Paraguayan banking system are a cause for concern, with the National Development Bank (BNF) leading at 3.16% and Ueno Bank in second place at 2.74%, although the majority of banks maintain over 90% of their loans in the adequate solvency category.

Consumer credit in Paraguay grew by 42% through May, reaching G. 35.52 billion, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warns of the risks of over-indebtedness, especially among lower-income families.

The Paraguay-Brazil Chamber of Commerce (CCPB) hosted the event "How Much Is My Company Really Worth?", bringing together specialists to discuss traditional business valuation methods in the context of mergers and acquisitions, amid growing foreign investor interest in Paraguayan firms driven by the country's dual investment-grade rating.

A client of Banco Itaú, Delmis Martínez, reported being the victim of a financial fraud exceeding 85 million guaraníes, which included the draining of her accounts, unauthorized use of her credit card, and the approval of a loan she claims she never requested.

Through April 2026, banks and the Deposit Guarantee Fund (FGD) held 80% of the G$8.5 trillion in Treasury Bonds (BOTES) circulating in Paraguay, underscoring the heavy reliance of state financing on local financial institutions.

Paraguayan banks accumulated profits of US$302 million in the first four months of 2026, a 5.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025, led by Banco Continental.

The IPS investment portfolio reached G$ 20 trillion in March 2026, with more than half of the funds concentrated in instruments issued by local banks and financial entities.

The total balance of credit cards in the Paraguayan banking system exceeded G. 6.6 trillion (about US$ 1.1 billion), with annual growth of 30.6%, tripling the pace of the economy. Default rates reach 7.9% in lower-middle credit brackets, while the government considers inflation controlled, contrasting with consumers' reality.