
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior is a leading regional development bank that has been a key player in the Latin American financial market for decades. It was founded in 1980 with the goal of promoting economic integration and development in the region.
The bank has a strong presence in the market, with a large portfolio of trade finance and project finance transactions. It has a diverse client base, including governments, corporations, and financial institutions.
One of the bank's key strengths is its ability to provide financing for large-scale projects, such as infrastructure development and energy projects. This is due in part to its strong relationships with major international lenders and investors.
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior has a significant impact on the regional economy, with a large portion of its financing going towards projects that promote economic growth and development.
Company Overview
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, also known as Bladex, is a multinational bank that provides financial services to its clients.
Bladex was founded in 1979 as a result of a treaty signed by 17 countries from Central America and the Caribbean.
The bank's headquarters is located in Panama City, Panama, and it operates in 23 countries across the region.
Bladex offers a range of financial services including trade finance, cash management, and advisory services to its clients.
The bank's main objective is to facilitate international trade and commerce in Latin America.
Bladex has a strong presence in the region and has established partnerships with various institutions to expand its services.
The bank's services are designed to meet the needs of its clients, from small and medium-sized enterprises to large corporations.
Bladex has a team of experienced professionals who provide expert advice and guidance to its clients.
The bank's commitment to innovation and technology has enabled it to provide efficient and secure services to its clients.
Management Team
The management team at Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. is led by Jorge Taurel, who has been the CEO since March 8, 2020, at the age of 54.
Jorge Taurel is supported by Ana Graciela de Méndez, who has been the Director of Finance/CFO since December 17, 2017, at the age of 58.
The team also includes Ricardo Manuel Arango Jiménez, a Director/Board Member since December 31, 2015, at the age of 64, and Mario Covo, another Director/Board Member since December 31, 1998, at the age of 67.
Here is a list of the management team members:
- Jorge Taurel - CEO, 54 years old, joined on March 8, 2020
- Ana Graciela de Méndez - Director of Finance/CFO, 58 years old, joined on December 17, 2017
- Ricardo Manuel Arango Jiménez - Director/Board Member, 64 years old, joined on December 31, 2015
- Mario Covo - Director/Board Member, 67 years old, joined on December 31, 1998
Miguel Heras Castro, the Chairman, has been in the position since July 15, 2019, at the age of 56.
Executive Committee
The Executive Committee at Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. is led by Jorge Taurel, who has been the Chief Executive Officer since March 8, 2020.
Jorge Taurel is 54 years old, a significant leadership presence in the company.
Ana Graciela de Méndez serves as the Director of Finance/CFO, a role she has held since December 17, 2017.
Tatiana Calzada is the Compliance Officer, although her age and start date are not publicly disclosed.
Carlos Daniel Raad joined the Executive Committee as the Investor Relations Contact on June 22, 2022.
Olazhir Ledezma is the Corporate Officer/Principal, who is 53 years old and started on June 30, 2021.
Executive VP, CLO and Corporate Secretary
As the Executive VP, CLO and corporate secretary at BLADEX, Jorge Luis Real has faced regulatory difficulties in the Panamanian banking sector.
One of the key challenges he's encountered is navigating the complexities of the banking industry in Panama, where regulatory requirements can be particularly stringent.
Having extensive experience in the field, Jorge Luis Real is well-equipped to handle these challenges and provide strategic guidance to the team.
Jorge Luis Real emphasizes the importance of mapping legal risks, which is a crucial step in mitigating potential issues and ensuring the bank's compliance with regulatory requirements.
Celso Faria Portela Pereira, the Legal Vice President at BLADEX, also highlights the significance of mapping legal risks, underscoring the need for a proactive approach to risk management.
Celso's extensive experience across various industries has given him a unique perspective on the importance of mutual respect within an in-house team, which he believes is essential for a successful and collaborative work environment.
Financials
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. has seen significant growth in its financials over the years. Net sales for the company have been steadily increasing, with projected figures for 2024 and 2025 reaching $45.73B and $48.87B, respectively.
The company's net income has also seen a substantial increase, with projected figures for 2024 and 2025 reaching $30.49B and $32.58B, respectively. This indicates a strong financial performance by the company.
Here's a breakdown of the company's projected net sales and net income for 2024 and 2025:
Financials
In 2025, Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. is expected to have net sales of $480 million, which is a significant increase from the 2024 projection of $435 million.
Their net income is also expected to rise, from $290 million in 2024 to $310 million in 2025.
The company's net income in 2024 is projected to be $17.66 billion, which is a substantial amount of money.
Here's a comparison of the company's projected net sales for 2024 and 2025:
The company's net income is projected to continue growing in 2025, with estimates ranging from $18.88 billion to $32.58 billion.
Their net income in 2025 is expected to be $2.32 billion, which is a significant increase from the 2024 projection of $2.17 billion.
The company's net sales in 2025 are expected to be $48.87 billion, which is a substantial amount of money.
Losses Spark New Concerns
The recent huge losses at Bladex, a Panamanian bank, are raising red flags about the stability of emerging-market economies.
This bank could be a canary in the coal mine, signaling potential problems in the financial sector.
The losses at Bladex are a clear indication that the bank is facing significant challenges, which could have a ripple effect on the entire economy.
The Panamanian bank's struggles may be a harbinger of worse things to come, especially if other emerging-market economies are facing similar issues.
Earnings Calls
Earnings calls are an essential part of a company's quarterly financial reporting, and Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior (Bladex) is no exception.
The Q3 2020 earnings call for Bladex was held for the period ending August 30, 2020.
During this call, Bladex's financial performance for the quarter was discussed.
The specific date of the earnings call is a notable detail, providing clarity on when the call took place.
Valuation and Estimates
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior's valuation has seen some significant fluctuations over the years, with its capitalization reaching as high as $50.78B in one instance.
The company's P/E ratio has also varied, standing at 6.85x in 2024 and 6.42x in 2025.
One notable trend is the increase in its enterprise value, which has risen to $14.81B at one point.
Here's a summary of the company's valuation metrics:
The company's free-float is currently at 65.29%, indicating a relatively high level of liquidity for investors.
Return vs S&P
In this section, we'll take a closer look at the return on investment (ROI) of Banco Latinoamericano De Comercio Exterior, S. A. compared to the S&P. Over the past year, BLX has seen a 65.67% return, significantly outpacing the S&P's 18.21% gain.
The 5-year picture also tells a compelling story. BLX has returned a whopping 170.39%, dwarfing the S&P's 80.16% return. This translates to an annualized return of 21.98% for BLX, compared to the S&P's 12.48%.
Here's a summary of the returns for both BLX and the S&P over the past year and 5 years:
These numbers paint a clear picture of BLX's impressive performance compared to the broader market.
Valuation: A
Valuation is a crucial aspect of understanding a company's financial health. Capitalization of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. has fluctuated between 1.1B and 2.18B.
The P/E ratio for 2024 is 6.85x, while the P/E ratio for 2025 is 6.42x. This indicates a slight decrease in the price-to-earnings ratio over the next year.
Here's a breakdown of the company's capitalization and P/E ratios over the past few years:
The enterprise value of the company has also fluctuated, ranging from 1.1B to 208B.
Latest News:
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior has closed a syndicated loan for Finanzauto, a Colombian company, for an undisclosed amount.
The bank has also implemented the CGI Trade360 trade technology platform, which is expected to improve trade operations.
In November 2024, Annette van Hoorde was named CFO of Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, replacing Ana Graciela De Mendez who stepped down as Executive Vice President in April 2025.
Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior has also appointed Sergio Olarte as Chief Economist and Daniel Tillard as Director.
Here are some key dates related to the bank's recent news:
Frequently Asked Questions
¿Qué es el Banco Latinoamericano?
El Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior es un banco especializado en soluciones para el comercio exterior en Latinoamérica y el Caribe, ofreciendo servicios financieros para empresas que operan en el mercado regional. Su enfoque está en apoyar el crecimiento y la competitividad de las empresas en la región.
¿Qué hace el Bladex?
Bladex ofrece servicios financieros especializados a 23 industrias y 26 países en la región, enfocándose en financiamiento para el comercio exterior
Sources
- https://latinlawyer.com/organisations/banco-latinoamericano-de-comercio-exterior
- https://www.bmv.com.mx/es/emisoras/perfil/BLADEX-7727
- https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BANCO-LATINOAMERICANO-DE--11868/company/
- https://www.marketscreener.com/quote/stock/BANCO-LATINOAMERICANO-DE--11868/
- https://www.fool.com/quote/nyse/blx/
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