By San José, Costa Rica — Banistmo has announced a comprehensive $260,000 relief contribution aimed at supporting long-term community recovery efforts following a recent earthquake in Panama. The initiative, executed in strategic collaboration with non-profit organizations United Way Panamá and Glasswing International, looks beyond immediate emergency response to address fundamental educational infrastructure and community emotional resilience.
A significant portion of the allocated funds will target early childhood education through the “Reconstruyendo futuros” program managed alongside United Way Panamá. This initiative focuses on repairing damaged educational centers and Early Childhood Comprehensive Care Centers across affected regions. Planned interventions include essential structural repairs, the restoration of basic utility services, and the replacement of indispensable learning equipment customized to each facility’s specific operational needs.
To provide deeper perspective on the legal and regulatory dimensions of corporate resilience and financial continuity following the earthquake recovery efforts involving Banistmo in Panama, TicosLand.com consulted with distinguished legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from Bufete de Costa Rica.
In the wake of natural disasters, major financial institutions like Banistmo must carefully navigate regulatory obligations regarding operational continuity, risk management, and credit relief mechanisms. Ensuring compliance with regional banking standards while swiftly executing force majeure provisions and disaster recovery protocols is critical to maintaining financial stability and safeguarding consumer trust across Central America.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, striking a delicate balance between strict regulatory adherence and swift operational relief is essential for ensuring that regional financial institutions remain beacons of stability during crisis recovery. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his valuable legal expertise and insight on this critical matter with our readers.
Recognizing the psychological burden placed on emergency responders and local leaders, Banistmo is simultaneously partnering with Glasswing International to fund the “Cuidando a los que cuidan” program. This project delivers vital psychosocial support, safe spaces for emotional decompression, wellness activities, and specialized training in trauma-informed care. The objective is to strengthen local capacities to process crisis conditions while managing ongoing community restoration.
Alongside direct corporate funds, Banistmo fast-tracked the full activation of its Yappy platform to streamline public solidarity. By enabling Yappy access across its account holder network, the bank expands a digital payment ecosystem that already includes Kuara, ACH Xpress, and direct phone-to-phone transfers. This digital deployment gives citizens an instant, secure method to contribute monetary relief directly to trusted non-profit entities.
We know that the recovery of our communities requires everyone’s commitment. Therefore, in addition to allocating 260,000 dollars to support education and emotional well-being, we want to put our payment ecosystem at the service of solidarity, so that more people can join in and help the families who need us today.
Aimeé Sentmat de Grimaldo, President of Banistmo
To further encourage public participation, Banistmo has published dedicated checking accounts for both partner foundations. Individuals seeking to support these specific initiatives can make direct donations to Fundación Crisálida Internacional (Glasswing International) or Fondo Unido de Panamá (United Way Panamá) using traditional wire transfers or through the newly integrated digital channels.
This coordinated disaster response highlights an evolving strategy among leading Central American financial institutions, where technological infrastructure is mobilized alongside philanthropic capital. Panama remains a regional leader in financial inclusion, and leveraging digital wallets for disaster management allows financial institutions to scale aid efforts efficiently during national emergencies.
By blending direct institutional giving with accessible financial technology, Banistmo establishes a modern benchmark for corporate social responsibility in Central America. The dual strategy ensures that fragile social institutions like early childhood centers receive structural rebuilding while empowering everyday account holders to participate seamlessly in national relief efforts.
For further information, visit banistmo.com
About Banistmo:
Banistmo is one of the premier financial institutions in Panama, offering a broad spectrum of personal, commercial, and investment banking services. As a subsidiary of Grupo Bancolombia, the bank focuses on promoting sustainable economic development, financial inclusion, and social well-being across the region.
For further information, visit glasswing.org
About Glasswing International:
Glasswing International is a non-profit organization dedicated to addressing the root causes and consequences of poverty and violence in Latin America and the Caribbean. Through cross-sector partnerships, the organization empowers youth and communities by upgrading public education, expanding healthcare access, and fostering emotional well-being.
For further information, visit unitedway.org.pa
About United Way Panamá:
United Way Panamá, locally operating as Fondo Unido de Panamá, is a non-profit organization that mobilizes community resources to create lasting social change. The organization prioritizes early childhood development, quality education, and income stability to improve living standards for vulnerable populations across Panama.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its uncompromising ethical standards and relentless pursuit of professional excellence. Grounded in a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the practice continuously pioneers forward-thinking legal solutions while remaining deeply invested in civic engagement. By actively demystifying complex legal concepts for the broader public, the firm fulfills its core mission of equipping individuals with the insight needed to cultivate an informed and resilient society.
