Grupo Cibest Invests US$70 Million in Bam to Expand Credit Access in Guatemala

Grupo Cibest has announced a US$70 million subordinated financing for its Guatemalan subsidiary Bam, reinforcing the financial group's regional growth strategy. The funding is intended to expand access to credit for businesses, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and self-employed workers, while strengthening Bam's role in Guatemala's financial sector.

The financing will be provided through Bancolombia Panamá, one of Grupo Cibest's subsidiaries, as the holding company continues advancing the regional expansion strategy it has outlined throughout the year.

Funding Aims to Increase Credit Access Across Guatemala

According to Grupo Cibest, the subordinated financing will allow Bam to increase its lending capacity, helping businesses improve productivity, strengthen operations, and expand their growth opportunities.

The group also described the transaction as an innovative and sophisticated financing mechanism within Guatemala's financial market, noting that similar structures could also become available to other institutions in the country's banking system while contributing to the development of the national productive sector.

Alejandro Aguilar, Vice President of Strategy and Finance at Bam, emphasized the importance of the investment for the country's economy.

"This financing represents a key driver for the growth of Guatemala's economic actors by expanding access to resources that will strengthen their development while contributing to job creation and the country's economic well-being."

Bam Continues to Strengthen Its Presence in Guatemala

Bam recently celebrated 100 years of operations in Guatemala, positioning itself as one of Grupo Cibest's most important subsidiaries in Central America.

Today, the bank employs more than 2,800 people and serves over 611,500 customers across the country.

The institution manages approximately US$6.442 billion in assets, while its cumulative loan portfolio totals US$4.964 billion, highlighting its role as one of Guatemala's leading providers of financing for individuals and businesses.

Digital Transformation Remains a Strategic Priority

Alongside expanding its lending capacity, Bam has continued advancing its digital transformation strategy.

The bank currently serves 112,786 digital customers, with 62.11% of all transactions completed through digital channels, reflecting the growing adoption of online banking services among its clients.

Digital financial inclusion has also expanded through Nequi, Grupo Cibest's digital wallet, which recently celebrated its first anniversary in Guatemala.

The platform has already reached 108,000 users, strengthening the group's efforts to broaden access to digital financial services in the country.

Guatemala Plays a Strategic Role in Grupo Cibest's Regional Expansion

The new financing underscores Guatemala's importance within Grupo Cibest's regional strategy, which the holding company is executing through its subsidiaries across Latin America.

By reinforcing Bam's capital position, the group aims to support greater credit availability for businesses, entrepreneurs, and independent workers while continuing to expand its presence in one of Central America's largest financial markets.