Banco AtlÁntida
Banco Atlántida has won the award for the third consecutive time not only because of another decent performance in 2002 but, more crucially, because of a merger that will enable it to regain its dominance in key areas of Honduran banking.
During the past six months, Banco Atlántida has been in the process of merging with Casa Propia, a Honduran bank whose main speciality is housing loans. As a result of the merger, the bank is poised to regain its lead position in the local market in terms of assets, deposits, equities and loans.
Despite the difficult environment caused by the US economic slowdown, Banco Atlántida finished 2002 with a decent performance. It raised net profit 5% and achieved an ROE of 14.4%.
The bank continues to make significant investments in upgrading its technology and products. Last year, for example, it expanded its internet banking offering to include business-to-business services.
