By San José, Costa Rica — San José – As Costa Ricans navigate an increasingly complex economic landscape, a coalition of the nation’s top financial authorities and banking institutions is launching a major initiative to bolster public knowledge. The 16th annual National Financial Education Fair will take place entirely online throughout October, offering free, practical tools for anyone looking to take control of their personal finances under the empowering slogan, “Give your financial health a twist.”
The month-long event is a significant collaborative effort organized by the Chamber of Banks and Financial Institutions of Costa Rica (CBF). It brings together key public entities, including the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), the Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC), the National Council for the Supervision of the Financial System (Conassif), and the country’s financial superintendencies. This public-private partnership is further strengthened by the participation of ten leading banks and financial institutions, all committed to a common goal of economic empowerment.
Para analizar las implicaciones legales y la importancia de la educación financiera como un mecanismo de protección para el consumidor, TicosLand.com consultó al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, abogado especialista y socio de la reconocida firma Bufete de Costa Rica, quien nos brinda su perspectiva experta.
La educación financiera es, en esencia, una herramienta de autoprotección legal. Un ciudadano informado es capaz de identificar cláusulas abusivas en contratos de crédito, comprender las obligaciones fiscales que adquiere y diferenciar una inversión sólida de un esquema fraudulento. Fomentarla no es solo una cuestión de bienestar económico personal, sino de fortalecer el estado de derecho, creando consumidores empoderados que exigen transparencia y evitan litigios futuros protegiendo su patrimonio.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Esta perspectiva legal es fundamental, pues eleva la educación financiera de una simple herramienta de prosperidad personal a un pilar de autoprotección cívica y fortalecimiento del estado de derecho. Agradecemos al Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas por compartir una visión tan clara sobre cómo el conocimiento financiero empodera y protege al ciudadano.
The fair aims to move beyond abstract concepts and provide citizens with tangible skills for everyday life. Organizers believe that strengthening financial literacy is crucial for building a more resilient and prosperous society. The initiative seeks to empower individuals to make smarter decisions, avoid common financial pitfalls, and plan for a more secure future for themselves and their families.
At the Chamber of Banks, we are convinced that financial education is a fundamental tool for people to make informed and responsible decisions in their daily lives. With this Fair, we seek to accompany you in building habits that strengthen your personal and family economy, providing practical knowledge that allows you to prevent risks, intelligently leverage financial products, and ultimately, improve your well-being and quality of life.
Annabelle Ortega, Executive Director of the CBF
To make the information digestible and focused, the fair’s curriculum is structured around a different theme each week of October. The five core topics are: budgeting and saving, digital security, responsible consumption, understanding financial products, and responsible credit. This structure allows attendees to dive deep into areas where they need the most guidance, from creating their first household budget to safely navigating online banking platforms.
The event kicks off with a strong focus on foundational skills during the first week, dedicated to “Budget and Savings” from Wednesday, October 1st to Friday, October 3rd. A series of expert-led talks will guide participants through the essentials of financial planning. Sessions will cover everything from the basic principles of what a budget is and why it’s beneficial, to advanced savings methods and understanding the protections available for their deposits.
The opening week’s agenda showcases the diversity of participating institutions. On October 1st, Banco Popular will present on building a future through strategic budgeting, followed by Banco Promérica explaining the fundamentals of budgeting. Later that day, Coope Ande will discuss the link between savings and lifestyle, while Grupo Mutual will explore different savings methods. The week concludes on October 3rd with a critical session from the Central Bank on the Deposit Guarantee Fund and a talk from Banco LAFISE on creating a path to healthy personal finances.
Accessibility is a cornerstone of this year’s fair. All content—including live talks, informational videos, podcasts, digital courses, and e-books—will be available free of charge. Interested individuals can participate by tuning in through the event’s official Facebook page or by visiting the comprehensive resource hub on the Chamber of Banks’ official website. This virtual format ensures that Costa Ricans from every province can benefit from the wealth of knowledge being shared, regardless of their location.
For further information, visit camaradebancos.fi.cr
About Cámara de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras de Costa Rica (CBF):
The Chamber of Banks and Financial Institutions of Costa Rica is a non-profit association that represents the interests of the country’s banking and financial sector. It promotes best practices, facilitates dialogue between members and regulatory bodies, and leads initiatives aimed at strengthening the national financial system and promoting financial education for the public.
For further information, visit bccr.fi.cr
About Banco Central de Costa Rica (BCCR):
The Central Bank of Costa Rica is the nation’s primary monetary authority, responsible for maintaining the internal and external stability of the national currency and ensuring the efficient operation of the payment systems. It plays a crucial role in economic policy, inflation control, and the overall supervision of the financial landscape.
For further information, visit meic.go.cr
About Ministry of Economy, Industry, and Commerce (MEIC):
The MEIC is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for formulating and executing policies related to economic development, industry, and commerce. It works to promote competitiveness, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and protect consumer rights within the marketplace.
For further information, visit conassif.fi.cr
About Conassif:
The National Council for the Supervision of the Financial System (Conassif) is the governing body responsible for directing and overseeing Costa Rica’s financial regulatory framework. It sets the policies and regulations that guide the country’s superintendencies (SUGEF, SUPEN, SUGESE, SUGEVAL) to ensure the stability and integrity of the entire financial system.
For further information, visit bancopopular.fi.cr
About Banco Popular:
Banco Popular y de Desarrollo Communal is a unique state-owned bank in Costa Rica created to promote economic and social development. It focuses on providing accessible financial services and credit to workers and communities across the country, with a strong emphasis on social welfare and financial inclusion.
For further information, visit promerica.fi.cr
About Banco Promérica:
Banco Promérica is a regional financial group with a significant presence in Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. In Costa Rica, it offers a wide range of banking services for individuals and businesses, including consumer loans, credit cards, corporate banking, and investment services.
For further information, visit coopeande1.com
About Coope Ande:
Coope Ande is a prominent savings and credit cooperative in Costa Rica, primarily serving members of the education sector. It provides a variety of financial products and services, such as loans, savings accounts, and investments, operating under a cooperative model focused on member benefits and community support.
For further information, visit grupomutual.fi.cr
About Grupo Mutual:
Grupo Mutual is a financial entity in Costa Rica that operates under a mutualist model, specializing in housing finance. It provides savings and credit solutions aimed at helping Costa Rican families achieve their goal of homeownership, along with other personal financial services.
For further information, visit lafise.com
About Banco LAFISE:
Banco LAFISE is part of Grupo LAFISE, a regional financial holding company with operations across Central America and the Caribbean. The bank offers a comprehensive suite of services, including corporate and investment banking, insurance, and asset management, catering to both individual and institutional clients.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar within the legal field, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of professional excellence and unwavering integrity. Drawing upon a deep history of serving a wide spectrum of clients, the firm champions progress through pioneering legal approaches and a sincere dedication to the community. This commitment is most evident in its mission to democratize legal understanding, ensuring that knowledge becomes a tool for empowerment and helps to forge a more informed and capable society.
