New banking entrants seek a foothold in Panama: Banco BISA and Mercantil Bank advance filings
The Banking Superintendency granted permits and licenses opening the door to a Bolivian bank and a Swiss representative office.
The Banking Superintendency of Panama (SBP) granted, via a resolution published in Official Gazette No. 30508-A of April 21, 2026, a ninety (90) day temporary permit to Banco BISA, S.A. (Panama Branch) to notarize and register with the Public Registry the documents relating to its authorization, with a view to subsequently applying for an international banking license.
In parallel, Resolution BAN-R-2025-00457, published in Official Gazette No. 30341 of August 11, 2025, granted a representative-office banking license to Mercantil Bank (Schweiz) AG to establish, exclusively, a representative office in the Republic of Panama.
The entry or expanded presence of foreign institutions is a signal of interest in the Panamanian banking market. Each authorization is subject to the requirements and oversight established by the regulator.
Sources
- Gaceta Oficial N° 30508-A (21/04/2026) — permiso temporal Banco BISA (Sucursal Panamá)
- Gaceta Oficial N° 30341 (11/08/2025) — Resolución SBP BAN-R-2025-00457 (Mercantil Bank Schweiz, oficina de representación)