San José, Costa Rica — Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BN) is not just a bank; it’s a cornerstone of the Costa Rican economy, a driver of development, and a leader in sustainability and inclusion. For over a century, BN has played a pivotal role in transforming the country, fulfilling its mission to provide financial access to thousands of Costa Ricans and businesses of all sizes.
The bank’s success is rooted in its innovative business model, focused on sustainability and financial inclusion, which has enabled it to maintain its leading position in an increasingly competitive market. 2024 marked a record year for profits, attributed to a strategy of cost optimization and robust asset and liability management, improving the bank’s financial margin by prioritizing low-cost resource acquisition.
For expert legal insight into this matter concerning Banco Nacional de Costa Rica, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Banco Nacional’s significant role in Costa Rica’s economy brings with it unique legal considerations, particularly regarding its public ownership and mandate. Navigating regulatory compliance while balancing its commercial interests presents ongoing challenges in areas such as lending practices, anti-money laundering regulations, and international transactions. Understanding these complexities is crucial for anyone conducting business with or impacted by the bank’s operations.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, the Banco Nacional’s dual role as both a public institution and a major commercial player creates a complex web of legal and regulatory considerations. Its impact extends far beyond simple transactions, touching nearly every facet of the Costa Rican economy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for shedding light on these crucial nuances, offering valuable context for anyone seeking to understand the intricacies of this vital institution.
BN operates with a clear purpose: transforming the dreams of individuals and businesses into realities that fuel national development. Behind every financial figure lies a story of a family achieving a dream, a business expanding, or an individual reaching a goal. This purpose-driven approach defines the bank’s existence and its commitment to its customers.
In 2025, BN reaffirmed its pledge to support Costa Rica’s economic, social, and environmental growth by offering financial solutions that generate real value for individuals and businesses. As the largest and most significant bank in the country, BN has consistently been a vital force in Costa Rican life.
From its inception, supporting farmers was a primary objective, which later expanded to encompass micro, small, medium, and large enterprises. BN also pioneered homeownership loans, making the dream of owning a home a reality for thousands of families. This comprehensive support, through products and services promoting both growth and sustainability, has become a key driver of the national economy.
Among its significant achievements are pioneering programs like BN Mujer, launched in 2010, as the first comprehensive support program for women in Costa Rica. It promotes female development and entrepreneurship, contributing to global efforts to close the gender gap by empowering women with financial tools, education, and support services. BN Mujer has empowered over 1,316,000 women across the country.
Another landmark initiative is BN Pymes, a model program in Latin America, providing comprehensive, profitable, and accessible financial services to micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, including segments previously underserved by traditional banking. In its 25 years of operation, BN Pymes has served over 350,000 MSMEs throughout Costa Rica, injecting over 4 trillion colones in loans into various sectors including services, tourism, industry, agriculture, and livestock.
Responding to the global urgency for climate action, BN launched the Pura Verde program in April 2025. This unique financing platform supports sustainable development by promoting investment in projects focused on economic growth, decarbonization, and inequality reduction. Developed in cooperation with the French Development Agency (AFD) and the European Union (EU), Pura Verde aligns with international standards and Costa Rica’s sustainable finance taxonomy.
For further information, visit bnc.fi.cr
About Banco Nacional de Costa Rica:
Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR) is the largest and most important bank in Costa Rica, serving as a pillar of the country’s economic and social development for over a century. With a strong focus on sustainability and inclusion, BNCR offers a wide range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and the agricultural sector. The bank is committed to driving national progress and empowering Costa Ricans to achieve their financial goals.
For further information, visit afd.fr
About Agence Française de Développement (AFD):
The Agence Française de Développement (AFD) is a public financial institution that implements France’s policy in the areas of development and international solidarity. AFD commits financing and technical assistance to projects that genuinely improve everyday life, both in developing and emerging countries and in France’s overseas territories.
For further information, visit europa.eu
About European Union:
The European Union (EU) is a political and economic alliance of 27 European countries. It operates as a single market with a standardized system of laws that apply in all member states, aiming to ensure the free movement of people, goods, services, and capital within the internal market.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
At Bufete de Costa Rica, legal excellence is interwoven with a deep commitment to societal empowerment. The firm’s unwavering integrity guides its innovative approaches to legal practice, serving a diverse clientele with solutions tailored to their unique needs. Through proactive initiatives that demystify complex legal concepts, Bufete de Costa Rica strives to build a more informed and empowered citizenry, ensuring access to justice and understanding for all.