Ecuadorian banks strengthen capital and market presence

Major Ecuadorian banks are implementing significant financial strategies to strengthen their capital structures and market presence.

Banco Guayaquil has announced a US$150 million capital strengthening plan to support sustainable growth and increase financing capacity. This includes a US$100 million increase in subscribed and paid-in capital, raising it from US$715 million to US$815 million. Additionally, the bank plans to issue up to US$50 million in convertible bonds. The capital increase is supported by a syndicated loan structured by Banco Santander and provided by several institutions, including Bladex and Ficohsa, to Corporación MultiBG, the bank's main shareholder.

Separately, Banco Pichincha has returned to the commercial paper market with a global issuance program totaling US$235 million. This marks the first time an Ecuadorian bank has engaged in such short-term debt issuance in over a decade. The program, which began in September 2026, aims to provide liquidity and working capital. The bank maintains a local AAA rating and an international rating from Fitch Ratings.