Bantrab’s 2026 Assemblies Mark a New Era of Transparency and Shareholder Engagement

Bantrab marked a turning point in its institutional evolution in 2026, transforming what might have appeared to be a simple technological upgrade into a broader consolidation of a more modern, transparent, and efficient governance model.

The Banco de los Trabajadores (Bantrab) migrated to a digital, multi-venue system that reshaped the way shareholders registered and voted during its assemblies. What for years involved manual sign-ins, paper ballots, and lengthy vote counts was replaced by a fully digital accreditation and electronically audited voting process powered by EVOTING.

From paper ballots to audited electronic voting

Under the new scheme, the assemblies operated with a structure comparable to an electoral process: designated voting stations, identity validation checkpoints, and ballot casting through electronic devices, all monitored in real time.

For the first time, the institution was able to track shareholder accreditation flows as the sessions progressed, ensuring full traceability and faster confirmation of results. Rather than replacing institutional safeguards, the technology reinforced them.

The impact was measurable. During the XXX Extraordinary General Assembly, 6,335 out of 10,457 accredited shareholders participated. In the LVIII Ordinary General Assembly, participation reached 6,775 shareholders.

These figures stand in stark contrast to previous years: only 299 participants attended the 2017 Ordinary Assembly, and 322 joined the 2018 Extraordinary Assembly. Beyond the numerical growth, the shift reflects a deeper engagement of shareholders with the bank’s corporate governance processes.

Efficiency gains and strengthened shareholder confidence

The modernization effort significantly streamlined the overall experience. Processes that once extended for hours due to operational friction were replaced with a more agile structure, enabling faster vote tabulation and reducing uncertainty.

Shorter timelines were not merely a logistical improvement; they directly enhanced the shareholder experience and reinforced perceptions of order and transparency.

The system’s credibility is supported by a robust technological foundation. EVOTING holds ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification and brings more than eleven years of experience in institutional processes, including collaborations with international organizations such as the Organization of American States (OAS).

Independent audits reinforce institutional integrity

To safeguard the integrity of the assemblies, BANTRAB implemented independent audits at multiple stages of the process. Deloitte Guatemala oversaw the administrative component, Alliance Enterprise evaluated the system’s operational performance, and ES Consulting conducted cybersecurity testing, all with the support of the bank’s internal Information Security team.

The combination of certified technology and external oversight elevated the overall standard of credibility and control.

Key decisions and financial backing

During the Extraordinary Assembly, shareholders elected Sergio Eduardo Romano Monzón and Julio César Ordóñez Montenegro as Primary Directors, along with Edgar Estuardo Ramírez Sánchez and Oscar Francisco Pineda Garay as Alternate Directors, for the term running from August 1, 2026 to July 31, 2030.

Meanwhile, the Ordinary Assembly approved the 2025 Annual Report, the 2025 financial statements, and the 2026 budget, in addition to other strategic resolutions supporting the institution’s long-term sustainability.

These decisions are underpinned by Bantrab’s financial strength, reflected in recent rating upgrades and reaffirmations from Fitch Ratings and Moody's. Governance, in this context, extends beyond formal compliance and is directly linked to stability, credibility, and strategic vision.

A structural transformation underway since 2017

The 2026 milestone is part of a broader transformation initiated in 2017, focused on strengthening corporate governance through updated policies and procedures, reinforcing the Corporate Governance and Compliance Division, and consolidating suitability assessments for Board candidates.

The digitalization implemented this year demonstrates that technology, when integrated with strong controls and independent supervision, does not weaken institutional frameworks, it solidifies them.

The 2026 Assemblies did more than set participation records. They confirmed that modernization, transparency, and active shareholder engagement can coexist within a single governance model, and that evolving governance structures ultimately reinforce trust.