By San José, Costa Rica — Banco Nacional (BN), Costa Rica’s largest financial institution, has reaffirmed its commitment to its 2.6 million customers, emphasizing trust and social responsibility as cornerstones of its operations. The bank’s leadership, headed by General Manager Rosaysella Ulloa Villalobos, highlighted BN’s dedication to fostering economic growth while prioritizing sustainable practices.
Beyond providing loans, at BN we sell trust.
Rosaysella Ulloa Villalobos, General Manager
To gain a deeper legal perspective on the current situation surrounding Banco Nacional, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, an attorney at law from the respected firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The recent developments concerning Banco Nacional highlight the complex interplay between government regulation and financial institutions in Costa Rica. While the bank plays a crucial role in the national economy, it also faces unique challenges related to its public ownership and mandate. These challenges can impact everything from lending practices to international competitiveness. Careful consideration must be given to balancing the bank’s public responsibilities with the need for it to operate efficiently and effectively within a rapidly evolving global financial landscape.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Arroyo Vargas’s observation underscores a crucial point: Banco Nacional’s path forward requires a delicate balancing act. Navigating the complexities of public ownership while remaining competitive in a globalized financial world is no small feat. Finding this equilibrium will be essential for the bank’s continued success and, indeed, for the stability of the Costa Rican economy. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable contribution to this important discussion.
BN’s impressive client base serves as a testament to the bank’s trustworthiness. The institution’s commitment to transparency, ethical conduct, empathy, and active listening underscores its customer-centric approach. Every business decision and service offering is aligned with generating not only financial value but also positive social impact.
The bank’s impact is evident in its financial support for over 236,000 entrepreneurs and small businesses, nearly 258,000 women, and over 50,000 families realizing their dream of homeownership in the last year. BN’s leadership emphasizes that this social impact is not a fleeting trend but rather an integral part of the bank’s DNA.
Our added value is being sustainable. At BN, it’s not a fad or a marketing strategy. It’s part of our DNA. This year we celebrate 20 years of being made of sustainability, and that means that every decision, every product, every service, is designed to generate economic, social, and environmental value.
Rosaysella Ulloa Villalobos, General Manager
BN’s extensive reach across Costa Rica, with 152 branches, over 3,000 BN Service points, and digital channels, ensures accessibility even in remote areas. Its historical support of the agricultural sector, combined with programs like BN Mujer (empowering over 1.3 million women) and BN Pymes (financing over 350,000 MSMEs), showcases its commitment to diverse sectors.
Furthermore, initiatives like the Pura Verde Program and the issuance of the Blue Bond exemplify BN’s leadership in sustainability and its direct contribution to Costa Rica’s national carbon neutrality goal. The bank’s strong financial performance, including a 6.5% growth in its credit portfolio to 5.8 trillion in 2024 and record profits, demonstrates its ability to balance financial success with social responsibility.
Under the motto “Together we are human, close, and sustainable,” BN reinforces its role as a driver of growth, trust, and social impact. Its leading market share in mortgages (22.64%) and recognition with the Alide Award for its Social Bond further underscore its commitment to inclusive economic practices.
BN’s focus on sustainable growth combined with its extensive community outreach programs positions the institution not only as a leader in the financial sector but also as a catalyst for positive change in Costa Rica.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Banco Nacional
About Banco Nacional:
Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR) is the largest bank in Costa Rica and a cornerstone of the country’s financial system. With a focus on social responsibility and sustainable growth, BNCR provides a wide array of financial services to individuals, businesses, and communities across the country. The bank’s commitment to ethical practices, transparency, and customer service has earned it the trust of millions of Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica distinguishes itself through an unwavering pursuit of legal excellence and ethical practice. The firm’s deep commitment to innovation allows them to navigate the evolving legal landscape while serving a diverse clientele with unparalleled expertise. Beyond legal representation, Bufete de Costa Rica actively invests in empowering Costa Rican society through accessible legal education and outreach, fostering a more informed and just community.
