Banco de Costa Rica, the second-largest bank by assets, increased allowances for loan losses by 28% year-on-year in 2020.

Mizrahi Tefahot Bank, the country’s third largest lender by assets, saw its mortgage book expand by 24% year on year in 2020.

The first nine months of 2021 show the highest totals on record, but are now showing signs of slowing.

Danske Bank, the country’s largest lender by Tier 1 capital, saw return on equity drop to 2.7% in 2020.

At Ardshinbank, the country’s second largest bank by assets, net interest income rose 20% last year.

Low-risk lending to wealthy customers has helped maintain asset quality during the pandemic.

Leading banks significantly increased loan impairment provisions last year, ahead of a projected rise in bad loans this year. 

Access Bank, the country’s largest lender by total assets, saw ROE fall from 16% in 2019 to 14.1% in 2020.

KCB Group, the country’s largest lender by Tier 1 capital, saw its non-performing loan ratio rise to 15% in 2020.

The country’s two largest banks saw gross total loans increase by about 37% between 2016 and 2020.