Solvency of Dominican banks is above regulatory requirements

The Association of Multiple Banks of the Dominican Republic (ABA) assured that the solvency levels of the banking sector remain healthy, standing out over the years for occupying top positions compared to its peers in the region, as evidenced in recent official statistics. In that sense, it qualified as outstanding that the financial sector exhibits a solvency ratio of 17.07%, higher than the regulatory minimum of 10% established in the Monetary and Financial Law and 8% of Basel. The ABA stated that, despite the adverse external environment, the financial system’s asset strength and stability have been highlighted by the main risk rating companies, external auditors, and international organizations, also translating into the consolidation of relationships with correspondent banks. “Banking remains a pillar of macroeconomic stability, a driver of development and dynamism through the channeling of resources to the productive sectors of the country and families, thanks to prudent, disciplined, forward-looking financial management in accordance with the best national and international practices,” indicated the ABA. Based on the foregoing context, the guild called for adherence to official and verifiable information, in strict compliance with the current legal framework and the principles of prudence that govern financial intermediation activity. “The financial statements of all banking entities are public, transparent, duly supervised by the competent authorities and subject to internal and external audit processes, in accordance with the mandate of Monetary and Financial Law 183-02 and international regulations, therefore any analysis or valuation must be based on objective data and a proper understanding of the functioning of the financial system,” he added. In this regard, he highlighted the role that the authorities and the banks themselves have maintained in the publication of their indicators and audited financial statements, demonstrating an open, integral, and accessible exercise for all citizens.

Indicators remain healthy

Likewise, the Multiple Banks Association guaranteed that the Dominican banking system is prepared to face any eventuality without compromising the operational continuity of the entities, as supported by the figures recently revealed by the Central Bank. He also reiterated that the past-due portfolio of financial institutions was around 162%, which means that for every peso of past-due credit, the system has more than one and a half pesos for its coverage, reflecting a prudent and responsible management of credit risk. The ABA indicated that multiple banking maintains sufficient liquidity levels to promptly meet its obligations, based on the confidence of depositors. Likewise, it considered that the profitability indicators present positive and recurring results, supported by financial intermediation and operational efficiency. He valued that credit to the non-financial private sector showed balanced growth, with around 72% of the loans placed with debtors classified as risk A. He also cited that delinquency remained close to 1.9%, with a better performance than the regional average of 2.3%. The banking system continues to exhibit high quality of its credit portfolio and a financial situation with strength and profitability, which places it in leading positions compared to other countries in the region, as recently revealed by the Central Bank in its publication “Página Abierta” he affirmed.