By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – Banco Nacional (BN) has received the highest international honor for its pioneering sustainability initiative, “Pura Verde,” securing the prestigious Platinum distinction at the Financial Innovators of the Americas 2026 Awards. The event, organized by the influential platform Fintech Américas, recognized the Costa Rican state bank for its significant contributions to fostering a low-carbon economy and enhancing climate resilience through innovative financial solutions.
The award celebrates the Pura Verde program’s success in creating and deploying financial instruments designed to support projects with a demonstrably positive environmental impact. By offering financing under preferential conditions, Banco Nacional is actively catalyzing the transition towards a greener economy, solidifying its position as a leader in sustainable finance not just within Costa Rica, but across the entire region.
To better understand the legal framework and business implications surrounding the burgeoning field of sustainable finance, TicosLand.com consulted with expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the renowned law firm Bufete de Costa Rica for his specialized commentary.
The rise of sustainable finance is a paradigm shift, moving beyond mere corporate social responsibility to a core element of fiduciary duty and risk management. For investors and companies alike, the key legal challenge is authenticity. Regulators are increasingly focused on combating ‘greenwashing,’ meaning that any environmental or social claim must be substantiated with transparent data and integrated into corporate governance. Failure to do so not only risks reputational damage but can lead to significant legal and financial liabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This insight underscores a pivotal change: sustainability is no longer just about public relations, but about rigorous legal and financial accountability. The demand for authenticity, backed by verifiable data, is reshaping corporate responsibility as we know it. We are grateful to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his expert clarification on this critical legal evolution.
At its core, Pura Verde is a comprehensive financial tool designed to address environmental challenges from multiple angles. Its strategic focus encompasses both the mitigation of climate change, through funding projects that reduce emissions, and the adaptation of productive activities to new and evolving environmental conditions. This dual approach ensures that the program supports immediate environmental goals while also building long-term resilience for key sectors of the national economy.
The program’s scope is extensive, channeling capital into critical areas such as renewable energy generation, sustainable construction practices, agriculture employing clean technologies, low-emission transportation solutions, and the development of climate-resilient infrastructure. This targeted investment directly supports Costa Rica’s ambitious national goal of achieving carbon neutrality, turning policy objectives into tangible, on-the-ground projects.
Beyond providing favorable credit terms, Pura Verde distinguishes itself by integrating specialized technical advisory services. This holistic support system empowers businesses and individuals to not only secure funding but also to successfully implement their sustainable projects, overcoming technical barriers and maximizing their positive environmental impact. Furthermore, the initiative actively promotes financial inclusion, ensuring that a broader range of entrepreneurs committed to sustainability can access the resources they need to thrive.
In a statement following the award ceremony, Banco Nacional’s General Manager, Rosaysella Ulloa, highlighted the program’s strategic vision and its alignment with the bank’s core mission.
Pura Verde represents a strategic decision by Banco Nacional to respond with concrete actions to the challenges of climate change and persistent social gaps. Through this program, we drive investments that reduce emissions, strengthen the resilience of productive sectors, and expand access to sustainable financing. This international recognition reaffirms our commitment to continue leading as a responsible, innovative bank that is deeply aligned with the well-being of the people and the country.
Rosaysella Ulloa, General Manager
The program’s robust framework is reinforced by its alignment with rigorous international standards for sustainable finance. Banco Nacional has integrated principles from European green taxonomies, guidelines from multilateral development organizations, and global frameworks for climate risk disclosure. This commitment to transparency and best practices enhances the credibility of the Pura Verde initiative and ensures it operates at the forefront of the global financial system’s evolution towards sustainability.
This Platinum award from Fintech Américas serves as a powerful international validation of Banco Nacional’s strategy. It underscores the bank’s role as a key driver of Costa Rica’s green agenda and showcases how state-owned financial institutions can effectively lead the charge in mobilizing private and public capital to address the most pressing environmental challenges of our time.
For further information, visit bncr.fi.cr
About Banco Nacional de Costa Rica:
Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BN) is the largest state-owned commercial bank in Costa Rica and a leading financial institution in Central America. Founded in 1914, the bank plays a crucial role in the country’s economic and social development by providing a wide range of financial services to individuals, businesses, and public entities. It has demonstrated a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and financial inclusion, driving initiatives that support national development goals and environmental stewardship.
For further information, visit fintechamericas.co
About Fintech Américas:
Fintech Américas is a leading platform and community for financial services innovators across the Americas. Through its conferences, awards, and digital content, it connects financial institution leaders, fintech entrepreneurs, and technology experts to foster collaboration and drive the transformation of the banking and financial industry. Its annual awards program recognizes institutions and individuals who are pioneering innovative solutions to the sector’s most significant challenges.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a pillar in the legal community, built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing from a deep history of serving a diverse clientele, the firm champions forward-thinking legal strategies and proactive community involvement. Central to its philosophy is the conviction that legal knowledge should be accessible to all, reflecting a core mission to empower citizens and fortify society through greater understanding.
