LAFISE Set to Launch Banking Operations in Guatemala After Regulatory Approval

LAFISE has received authorization from Guatemala’s Monetary Board to operate as the country’s 19th commercial bank. The approval marks a significant milestone for the regional financial group, which now has up to six months to complete regulatory requirements before opening its banking services to the public.

The authorization was granted by the Monetary Board on June 3, according to Saulo De León, Superintendent of Banks (SIB). Roberto Solórzano, General Manager of LAFISE Guatemala, said the company was formally notified through Resolution 59-2026 on June 11, triggering the legal deadline established under Guatemala’s Banking and Financial Groups Law.

Regulatory process underway before launch

Before beginning operations, LAFISE must complete a series of regulatory and operational requirements supervised by the Superintendency of Banks.

According to De León, the institution is required to prepare its operating manuals and internal regulations during the authorization period. The bank may request a single extension of an additional six months if necessary.

During this stage, the SIB will review and certify the bank’s operational manuals, physical facilities, technological infrastructure, core banking system, and risk management frameworks covering market, credit, and technology risks.

Once the regulator grants final approval, LAFISE plans to begin operations with an initial workforce of 25 employees, with additional hiring expected as its customer base expands, Solórzano explained.

The company's headquarters and first customer service branch will operate from the building that formerly housed the United States Embassy in Guatemala, which has already been acquired by the group.

Two-year approval process

The authorization follows approximately two years of regulatory review.

De León explained that the process included evaluating the shareholders, verifying their financial solvency, and confirming the origin of the funds supporting the investment.

"This is very positive for the banking system because it increases competition, allows experienced financial institutions to enter the market, and ultimately benefits customers through healthy competition," De León said.

He also noted that the arrival of a new banking institution reflects Guatemala's attractiveness for foreign investment. In addition, he highlighted that the country's banking penetration rate is approximately 60%, leaving around 40% of the market still without access to formal banking services.

LAFISE expands its presence in Guatemala

Founded in 1985, Grupo LAFISE operates banks in Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, while maintaining a savings and credit institution in El Salvador.

In Guatemala, the group already provides several financial services, including foreign exchange operations, brokerage services through the National Stock Exchange, financial leasing, factoring, and a corporate expense management platform using business credit cards.

With its new banking license, LAFISE will now be able to accept public deposits and broaden its portfolio of financial products and services in the Guatemalan market.

Guatemala’s banking sector remains financially solid

According to the Superintendency of Banks' Monthly Financial System Statistics Bulletin for April 2026, Guatemala's banking sector reported Q661.2 billion in total assets.

The report also indicates an immediate liquidity ratio of 18.6%, medium-term liquidity of 45.7%, equity representing 10% of total assets, and a return on equity of 17.9%, reflecting the overall strength of the country's financial system as it prepares to welcome a new banking institution.