UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 20-F

(Mark One)

¨ REGISTRATION STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 12(b) OR (g) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

x ANNUAL REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 20172019

OR

¨ TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

OR

¨ SHELL COMPANY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF

THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

Date of event requiring this shell company report……………………………

For the transition period from ______ to _______

Commission File Number 1-11414

BANCO LATINOAMERICANO DE COMERCIO EXTERIOR, S.A.

(Exact name of Registrant as specified in its charter)

Torre V, Business Park

Avenida La Rotonda, Urb. Costa del Este

P.O. Box 0819-08730

Panama City, Republic of Panama

(Address of principal executive offices)

Ana Graciela de Méndez

Chief Financial Officer

+507 210-8500

Email address: amendez@bladex.com

(Name, Telephone, E-mail and/or Facsimile number and Address of Company Contact Person)

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(b) of the Act.

Securities registered or to be registered pursuant to Section 12(g) of the Act.

None

Securities for which there is a reporting obligation pursuant to Section 15(d) of the Act.

None

Indicate the number of outstanding shares of each of the issuer’s classes of capital or common stock as of the close of the period covered by the annual report.

Indicate by check mark if the registrant is a well-known seasoned issuer, as defined in Rule 405 of the Securities Act.

If this report is an annual or transition report, indicate by check mark if the registrant is not required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934.

Note – Checking the box above will not relieve any registrant required to file reports pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 from their obligations under those Sections.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or an emerging growth company. See definition of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer,” and “emerging growth company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

If an emerging growth company that prepares its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP, indicate by check mark if the registrant has elected not to use the extended transition period for complying with any new or revised financial accounting standards† provided pursuant to Section 13(a) of the Exchange Act.   ¨

† The term “new or revised financial accounting standard” refers to any update issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board to its Accounting Standards Codification after April 5, 2012.

Indicate by check mark which basis of accounting the registrant has used to prepare the financial statements included in this filing:

If “Other” has been checked in response to the previous question, indicate by check mark which financial statement item the registrant has elected to follow.

If this is an annual report, indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

BANCO LATINOAMERICANO DE COMERCIO EXTERIOR, S.A.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

In this Annual Report on Form 20-F, or this Annual Report, references to the “Bank” or “Bladex” are to Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A., a specialized multinational bank incorporated under the laws of the Republic of Panama (“Panama”), and its consolidated subsidiaries described in Item 4.A “Information on the Company – History and Development of the Company”.Company.” References to Bladex’s consolidated financial statements (the “Consolidated Financial Statements”) are to the financial statements of Banco Lationoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A., and its subsidiaries, with all intercompany balances and transactions having been eliminated for consolidating purposes. References to “Bladex Head Office” are to Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. in its individual capacity. References to “U.S. dollars” or “$” are to United States (“U.S.”) dollars. References to the “Region” are to Latin America and the Caribbean. The Bank accepts deposits and raises funds principally in U.S. dollars, grants loans mostly in U.S. dollars and publishes its Consolidated Financial Statements in U.S. dollars. The numbers and percentages set forth in this Annual Report have been rounded and, accordingly, may not total exactly.

Upon written or oral request, the Bank will provide without charge to each person to whom this Annual Report is delivered, a copy of any or all of the documents listed as exhibits to this Annual Report (other than exhibits to those documents, unless the exhibits are specifically incorporated by reference in the documents). Written requests for copies should be directed to the attention of Mrs. Ana Graciela de Méndez, Chief Financial Officer, Bladex, as follows: (1) if by regular mail, to P.O. Box 0819-08730, Panama City, Republic of Panama, and (2) if by courier, to Torre V, Business Park, Avenida La Rotonda, Urb. Costa del Este, Panama City, Republic of Panama. Telephone requests may be directed to Mrs. de Méndez at +507 210-8563. Written requests may also be sent via e-mail to Mrs. de Méndez at amendez@bladex.com.amendez@bladex.com orir@bladex.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

In addition to historical information, this Annual Report contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”). Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this Annual Report. The Bank uses words such as “believe,” “intend,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “plan,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “estimate,” “potential,” “project” and similar expressions to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements include, among others, those concerning the Bank’s expected financial performance and strategic and operational plans, as well as all assumptions, expectations, predictions, intentions or beliefs about future events. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially from those discussed in any such statement. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from these forward-looking statements include the risks described in the section titled “Risk Factors.” Factors or events that could cause the Bank’s actual results to differ may emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Bank to predict all such factors or results. The Bank undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable law or regulation. Forward-looking statements include statements regarding:

In addition, the statements included under the headings “Item 4.B. Business Overview—Strategies for 20182020 and Subsequent Years” and “Item 5.D. Trend Information” are forward-looking statements. Given the risks and uncertainties surrounding forward-looking statements, undue reliance should not be placed on these statements. Many of these factors are beyond the Bank’s ability to control or predict. The Bank’s forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Annual Report. Other than as required by law, the Bank undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise.

PART I

Not required in this Annual Report.

Not required in this Annual Report.

A.        Selected Financial Data

The following table presents selected consolidated financial data for the Bank. The Consolidated Financial Statements were prepared and presented in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (“IFRS”) as issued by the International Accounting Standards Board (“IASB”), and Interpretations issued by the IFRS Interpretation Committee (formerly known as “IFRIC”). Because fiscal year 2015 was the first year the Bank prepared and presented its financial statements in accordance with IFRS in order to comply with a requirement of the Superintendency of Banks of Panama for fully licensed banks in Panama, the Bank did not include the historical financial information as of and for the year ended December 31, 2013. The following selected financial data as of December 31, 20172019 and 2016,2018, and for the years ended December 31, 2017,2019, December 31, 20162018 and December 31, 20152017 has been derived from the Consolidated Financial Statements, which were audited by the independent registered public accounting firm Deloitte, Inc. (“Deloitte”), and are included in this Annual Report beginning on page F-1, together with the reportreports of the independent registered public accounting firm Deloitte. Informationfirms KPMG LLP (“KPMG”) and Deloitte, Inc. (“Deloitte”). The following selected fianancial data as of December 31, 2015 and 2014,2017 and for the year ended December 31, 2014, has been2016 are derived from the Bank’s audited financial statements included inForm 20-F for the Bank’s Annual Report on Form 20-Fyear 2018 already filed with the SEC. The following selected fianancial data as of December 31, 2016 and for the year ended December 31, 2015 are derived from the From 20-F for the year 2017 already filed with the SEC on April 29, 2016.SEC. The following selected fianancial data as of December 31, 2015 are derived from the From 20-F for the year 2016 already filed with the SEC. The Consolidated Financial Statements as of, and for the years ended December 31, 2019 and 2018 were audited by the independent registered public accounting firm KPMG, and the Consolidated Financial Statements as of, and for the years ended, December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015 were audited by the independent registered public accounting firm Deloitte. The information below is qualified in its entirety by reference to the detailed information included elsewhere herein and should be read in conjunction with Item 4, “Information on the Company,” Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects,” and the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto included in this Annual Report.

Consolidated Selected Financial Information

B.        Capitalization and Indebtedness

Not required in this Annual Report.

C.        Reasons for the Offer and Use of Proceeds

Not required in this Annual Report.

D.        Risk Factors

The Bank’s business, results of operations, financial conditions and cash flows are subject to, and could be materially adversely affected by, various risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, those set forth below, any one of which could cause the Bank’s actual results to vary materially from recent results or anticipated future results. Investors should consider, among other things, all of the information set out in this Annual Report and particularly the risk factors with respect to Bladex and the Region. In general, investing in financial instruments of issuers in emerging market countries such as Panama involves a higher degree of risk than investing in financial instruments of U.S. and European issuers. Additional risks and uncertainties not presently known to the Bank or that its management currently deems immaterial may also impair the Bank’s business operations.

Risks Relating to the Bank’s Business

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures intended to prevent its spread could have material adverse effects on the Bank’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition.

In December 2019, COVID-19 was first reported in Wuhan, China, and on March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic. The outbreak has reached more than 160 countries and has led governments and other authorities around the world, including federal, state and local authorities in the Region, to impose strict measures intended to control its spread, including restrictions on freedom of movement and business operations such as travel bans, border closings, business closures, quarantines and shelter-in-place orders.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures to prevent its spread could negatively impact the Bank’s business in a number of ways, some of which may not be foreseeable at the present time. For example, the borrowers to which the Bank lends through its Commercial Portfolio may be materially and adversely affected by the impact of the outbreak of COVID-19 on the global economy and on the economy in the Region. The borrowers to which the Bank lends operate a wide range of businesses and are active in numerous economic sectors, many of which are facing, and will continue to face, significant challenges and negative impacts as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. These impacts may include, among others, reduced business volumes, temporary closures of the Bank’s borrowers’ facilities, insufficient liquidity, delayed or defaulted payments from the Bank’s borrowers’ own customers, increased levels of indebtedness or the unavailability of sufficient financing for the Bank’s borrowers, and other factors which are beyond the Bank’s control. To the extent the COVID-19 pandemic adversely affects the business and financial results of the borrowers to whom the Bank lends, it could lead to loan restructurings on terms which may not be as favorable to the Bank, bankruptcies and insolvencies of the Bank’s borrowers, and increase the level of impaired loans in the Bank’s Commercial Portfolio and its level of allowances for expected credit losses, which could in turn materially and adversely affect the Bank’s business, results of operations and financial condition.

The COVID-19 outbreak may also cause material and adverse impacts on the Bank’s assets, as well as impacts on income due to lower lending and transaction volumes, which may impact the Bank’s assets and capital position. Further expected credit losses could arise, impacted by the disruption to global supply chains, and through the impact that COVID-19 is having more broadly on economic growth globally. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic may cause the Bank to continue to institute from time to time office closures and remote working arrangements for its employees and staff, which could have a material adverse effect on productivity.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also caused, and is likely to continue to cause, severe economic, market and other disruptions worldwide and in the Region. The Bank cannot assure you that conditions in the bank lending, capital and other financial markets will not continue to deteriorate as a result of the pandemic, or that the Bank’s access to capital and other sources of funding will not become constrained, which could adversely affect the Bank’s Commercial Portfolio volumes and the terms of future loans in the Commercial Portfolio, renewals or refinancings.

The extent of the COVID-19 pandemic’s effect on our operational and financial performance will depend on future developments, including the duration, spread and intensity of the outbreak, all of which are uncertain and difficult to predict. Due to the speed with which the situation is developing, we are not able at this time to estimate the effect of these factors on our business, but the adverse impact on our business, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows could be material.

Bladex faces liquidity risk, and its failure to adequately manage this risk could result in a liquidity shortage, which could adversely affect its financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Bladex, like all financial institutions, faces liquidity risk. Liquidity risk is the risk that the Bank will be unable to maintain adequate cash flow to repay its deposits and borrowings and fund its Credit Portfolio (as defined below) on a timely basis. The Bank’s capacity and cost of funding may be impacted by a number of factors, such as changes in market conditions (e.g., in interest rates), credit supply, changes in credit ratings, regulatory changes, systemic shocks and volatility in the banking and financial sectors, and changes in the market’s perception of the Bank, among others. Failure to adequately manage its liquidity risk could produce a shortage of available funds, which may cause the Bank to be unable to repay its obligations as they become due.

Short-term borrowings and debt from international private banks that compete with the Bank in its lending activity, represent one of the main sources of funding at 17%23% of the Bank’s total funding as of December 31, 2017.2019. If these international banks cease to provide funding to the Bank or cease to provide funding to the Bank at historically applicable interest rates, the Bank would have to seek funding from other sources, which may not be available, or if available, may be at a higher cost.

Turmoil in the international financial markets, including but not limited to recent ongoing turmoil related to COVID-19, oil prices and other factors, could negatively impact liquidity in such financial markets, reducing the Bank’s access to credit or increasing its cost of funding, which could lead to tighter lending standards. The reoccurrenceoccurrence of such unfavorable market conditions could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s liquidity.liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.

As of December 31, 2017, 67%2019, 61% of the Bank’s total deposits represented deposits from central banks or their designees (i.e., the Bank’s Class A shareholders), 14%20% of the Bank’s deposits represented deposits from private sector commercial banks and financial institutions, 13%10% of the Bank’s deposits represented deposits from state-owned and private, corporations and 6%international organizations, and 9% of the Bank’s deposits represented deposits from state-owned banks. The Bank does not accept retail deposits from individuals. Any disruption or material decrease in current or historic deposit levels, in particular levels of deposits made by central banks and their designees (i.e., the Bank’s Class A shareholders) due, among other factors, to any change in their U.S. dollar liquidity strategies which currently include making deposits with the Bank, could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s liquidity, results of operations and financial condition.

AsLastly, Panama is a U.S. dollar-based economy,economy. Panama does not have a central bank, and there is no lender of last resort to local financial institutions in the Panamanian banking sector in the event of financial difficulties or system-wide liquidity disruptions, which could adversely affect the banking system in the country.

The credit ratings of Bladex are an important factor in maintaining the Bank’s liquidity. A reduction in the Bank’s credit rating could reduce the Bank’s access to debt markets or materially increase the cost of issuing debt, trigger additional collateral or funding requirements, and decrease the number of investors and counterparties willing or permitted, contractually or otherwise, to do business with or lend to the Bank. This in turn could reduce the Bank’s liquidity and negatively impact its results of operations and financial position.

Any of the above factors, either individually or together as a group,in the aggregate, could adversely impactaffect the Bank’s liquidity, financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The Bank’s allowance for ECLlosses on financial instruments could be inadequate to cover credit losses mostly related to its loans, loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts.

The Bank determines the appropriate level of allowances for ECLlosses based on a forward-looking process that estimates the probable loss inherent in its portfolio,Credit Portfolio, which is the result of a statistical analysis supported by the Bank’s historical portfolio performance, external sources, and the judgment of the Bank’s management. The latter reflects assumptions and estimates made in the context of changing political and economic conditions in the Region. The Bank’s commercial portfolio (the “Commercial Portfolio”) includesincludes: (i) gross loans excluding interest receivable, allowance for loan losses, unearned interest and deferred fees (the “Loan Portfolio”), (ii) customers’ liabilities under acceptances, and (iii) loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts, such as confirmed and stand-by letters of credit, and guarantees covering commercial risk. The Bank’s allowances for ECLlosses could be inadequate to cover losses in its Commercial Portfolio due to, among other factors, concentration of exposure or deterioration in certain sectors or countries, including but not limited to the impact of recent ongoing turmoil related to COVID-19, oil prices and other factors, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

The Bank’s businesses are subject to market risk inherent in the Bank’s financial instruments, as fluctuations in different metrics may have adverse effects on its financial position.

Market risk generally represents the risk that the values of assets and liabilities or revenues will be adversely affected by changes in market conditions. Market risk is inherent in the financial instruments associated with many of the Bank’s operations and activities, including loans and securities at amortized cost, deposits, financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss (“FVTPL”) and securities at fair value through OCIother comprehensive income (“FVOCI”), short-term and long-term borrowings and debt, derivatives and trading positions. This risk may result from fluctuations in different metrics: interest rates, currency exchange rates, inflation rates and changes in the implied volatility of interest rates and changes in securities prices, due to changes in either market perception or actual credit quality of either the relevant issuer or its country of origin. This risk may also result from turmoil in the international financial markets, including but not limited to recent ongoing turmoil related to COVID-19, oil prices and other factors. Accordingly, depending on the instruments or activities impacted, market risks can have wide ranging, complex adverse effects on the Bank’s financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and business.

See Item 11, “Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk.”Furthermore, the Bank cannot predict the amount of realized or unrealized gains or losses on its financial instruments for any future period. Gains or losses on the Bank’s investment portfolio may not contribute to its net revenue in the future or may cease to contribute to its net revenue at levels consistent with more recent periods. The Bank may not successfully realize the appreciation or depreciation now existing in its consolidated investment portfolio or in any assets of such portfolio.

The Bank faces interest rate risk that ismay be caused by the mismatch in maturities of interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities.  If not properly managed, this mismatch can reduce net interest income as interest rates fluctuate.

As a bank, Bladex faces interest rate risk because interest-bearing liabilities generally reprice at a different pace than interest-earning assets. Bladex’s exposure to financial instruments whose values vary with the level or volatility of interest rates contributes to its interest rate risk. Failure to adequately manage eventual mismatches may reduce the Bank’s net interest income during periods of fluctuating interest rates.

The Bank’s Commercial Portfolio may decrease or may not continue to grow at historical rates.as expected. Additionally, growth in the Bank’s Commercial Portfolio as well asor other factors, including those beyond the Bank’s control, may require an increaseexpose the Bank to increases in the Bank’sits allowance for ECL.expected credit losses.

It is difficult to predict whether theThe Bank’s Commercial Portfolio, including the Bank’s foreign trade portfolio, willits Loan Portfolio, may not grow at historical rates.anticipated levels or may decrease in future periods. A reversal or slowdown in the growth rate of the Region’s economy and trade volumes could adversely affect the Bank’s Commercial Portfolio. OnPortfolio, and as a result adversely affect the other hand,Bank’s results of operations. The spread of the COVID-19 virus throughout the world, and in particular the Region, as well as the implementation of restrictive governmental measures to prevent its spread, has begun to affect our Commercial Portfolio in a number of ways, including a reduction in Commercial Portfolio balances. In particular, as loans in the Commercial Portfolio have matured in accordance with their terms, the Bank has been lending on a more selective basis, having established strict credit underwriting criteria with a focus on client segments and industries that the Bank believes are better suited to weather the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. See Item 3.D., “Key Information--Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Bank’s Business--The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures intended to prevent its spread could have material adverse effects on the Bank’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition,” and Item 5.D., “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Trend Information.”

Furthermore, any future expansion of Bladex’sthe Bank’s Commercial Portfolio may expose the Bank to higher levels of potential or actual losses and require an increase in the allowance for ECL,expected credit losses, which could negatively impact the Bank’s operating results and financial position. Non-performingFurthermore, the Bank’s historical loan loss experience may not be indicative of its future loan losses. Credit-impaired or low credit quality loans can also increase the Bank’s allowance for expected credit losses and thereby negatively impact the Bank’s results of operations. The Bank may not be able to effectively control the level of the impaired loans in its total Loan Portfolio. In particular, the amount of its reported non-performingcredit-impaired loans may increase in the future as a result of growth in its Loan Portfolio, including loans that the Bank may acquire in the future, changes in its business profile or factors beyond the Bank’s control, such as the impact of economic trends and political events affecting the Region, certain industries or financial markets and global economies, or particular clients’ businesses, all of which could be negatively impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. These factors, among others, could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s financial condition, results of operations and cash flows.

Increased competition and banking industry consolidation could limit the Bank’s ability to grow and may adversely affect its results of operations.

Most of the competition the Bank faces in the trade finance business comes from domestic and international banks, and in particular European, North American and Asian institutions. Many of these banks have substantially greater resources than the Bank, may have better credit ratings, and may have access to less expensive funding than the Bank does. It is difficult to predict how increased competition will affect the Bank’s growth prospects and results of operations.

Over time, there has been substantial consolidation among companies in the financial services industry, and this trend has accelerated in recent years as the credit crisis led to numerous mergers and acquisitions among industry participants and in certain cases reorganization, restructuring, or even bankruptcy.industry. Merger activity in the financial services industry has produced companies that are capable of offering a wide array of financial products and services at competitive prices. In addition, whenever economic conditions and risk perception improve in the Region, competition from commercial banks, the securities markets and other new market entrants generally increases.

Globalization of the capital markets and financial services industries exposes the Bank to further competition.  To the extent the Bank expands into new business areas and new markets, the Bank may face competitors with more experience and more established relationships with clients, regulators and industry participants in the relevant market, which could adversely affect the Bank’s ability to compete. The Bank’s ability to grow its business and therefore, its earnings, may be affected by these competitive pressures.

The Bank also faces competition from local financial institutions which increasingly have access to as good or better resources than the Bank. Local financial institutions are also clients of the Bank and there is complexity in managing the balance when a local financial institution is both a client and competitor. Additionally, many local financial institutions are able to gain direct access to the capital markets and low cost funding sources, threatening the Bank’s historical role as a provider of U.S. dollar funding.

As a result of the foregoing, increased competition and banking industry consolidation could limit the Bank’s ability to grow and may adversely affect its results of operations.

The Bank’s businesses rely heavily on data collection, management and processing, and information systems, the failureseveral of which are provided by third parties. Operational failures or security breaches with respect to any of the foregoing could have a material adverse effect onadversely affect the Bank, including the effectiveness of the Bank’sits risk management and internal control systems. Additionally, the Bank may experience cyberattacks or system defects and failures (including failures to update systems), viruses, worms, and other malicious software from computer “hackers” or other sources, which could unexpectedly interfere with the operation of the Bank’s systems.

All of the Bank’s principal businesses are highly dependent on the ability to timely collect and process a large amount of financial and other information across numerous and diverse markets, at a time when transaction processes have become increasingly complex with increasing volume. The proper functioning of financial control, accounting or other data collection and processing and information systems is critical to the Bank’s businesses and to its ability to compete effectively. A partial or complete failure of any of these primary systems could materially and adversely affect the Bank’s decision-making process, risk management and internal control systems, as well as the Bank’s ability to respond on a timely basis to changing market conditions. If the Bank cannot maintain an effective data collection, management and processing system,and information systems, it may be materially and adversely affected.

The Bank also relies on third party technology suppliers for many of its core operating systems that are crucial to its business activities. Any issues associated with those suppliers may have a significant impact on the Bank’s capacity to process transactions and conduct its business. Additionally, these suppliers have access to the Bank’s core systems and databases, exposing the Bank to vulnerability from its technology providers. Any security problems and security vulnerabilities of such third parties may have a material adverse effect on the Bank.

The Bank is also dependent on information systems to operate its website, process transactions, respond to customer inquiries on a timely basis and maintain cost-efficient operations. TheWhile the Bank has implemented policies and procedures designed to manage information security, the Bank may experience cyberattacks or operational problems with its information systems as a result of system defects and failures (including failurefailures to update systems), viruses, worms, and other malicious software from computer “hackers” or other sources, which could unexpectedly interfere with the operation of the Bank’s systems.

Furthermore, the Bank manages and stores certain proprietary information and sensitive or confidential data relating to its clients and to its operations. The Bank also reliesmay be subject to breaches of the information technology systems it uses for these purposes. Additionally, the Bank operates in certain limited capacitiesmany geographic locations and is exposed to events outside its control, including the potential proliferation of regulatory requirements regarding local storage of data, use of local services or technology, or sharing of intellectual property. Despite the contingency plans the Bank has in place, its ability to conduct business in any of its locations may be adversely impacted by a disruption to the infrastructure that supports its business.

In addition, as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Bank has implemented office closures and remote working policies in order to protect the health of its employees and staff. These arrangements have necessitated new and increased reliance on third-party data management providers.information technology, such as videoconferencing and other infrastructure. Any security problemsfailure or hacking of these and security vulnerabilities of such third-party data management providers may haveother systems could materially and adverse effect on us. adversely affect the Bank’s business and operations.

The Bank’s ability to remain competitive depends in part on its ability to upgrade its information technology on a timely and cost-effective basis. The Bank continually makes investments and improvements in its information technology infrastructure in order to remain competitive. The Bank may not be able to maintain the level of capital expenditures necessary to support the improvement or upgrading of its information technology infrastructure. Any failure to effectively improve or upgrade its information technology infrastructure and management information systems in a timely manner could have a material adverse effect on the Bank. The Bank’s reputation could also suffer if the Bank is unable to protect its customers’ information from being used by third parties for illegal or improper purposes.

Operational problems or errors can have a material adverse impact on the Bank’s business, financial condition, reputation, results of operations and cash flows.

Bladex, likeOperating failures, including those that result from human error or fraud, not only may increase the Bank’s costs and cause losses, but may also give rise to conflicts with its clients, lawsuits, regulatory fines, sanctions, interventions, reimbursements and other indemnity costs, all of which may have a material adverse impact on the Bank’s business, financial institutions, is exposedcondition, reputation, results of operations and cash flows. Ethical misconduct or breaches of applicable laws by the Bank’s businesses or its employees could also be damaging to operational risks, including the Bank’s reputation, and could result in litigation, regulatory action or penalties. Operational risk of fraudalso includes: (i) legal risk associated with inadequacy or deficiency in contracts signed by employeesthe Bank; (ii) penalties due to noncompliance with laws, such as anti-money laundering (“AML”) and embargo regulations; and (iii) punitive damages to third parties failurearising from the activities undertaken by the Bank. Also, the Bank has additional services for the proper functioning of its business and technology infrastructure, such as networks, internet and systems, among others, provided by external or outsourced companies. Impacts on the provision of these services, caused by these companies due to obtain proper internal authorizations, failure to properly document transactions, equipment failures and errors by employees. Any failure, interruptionthe lack of supply or breach in the security or operationpoor quality of the contracted services, can affect the conduct of the Bank’s information technology systems could result in interruptions in such activities.business as well as its clients. Operational problems or errors such as these may have a material adverse impact on the Bank’s business, financial condition, reputation, results of operations and cash flows.

Any delays or failure to implement business initiatives that the Bank may undertake could prevent the Bank from realizing the anticipated revenues and benefits of these initiatives.

Part of the Bank’s strategy is to diversify income sources through certain business initiatives, including targeting new clients and developing new products and services. These initiatives may not be fully implemented within the time frame the Bank expects, or at all. In addition, even if such initiatives are fully implemented, they may not generate revenues as expected, which could adversely affect the Bank’s business, results of operations and growth prospects. Any delays in implementing these business initiatives could prevent the Bank from realizing the anticipated benefits of the initiatives, which could adversely affect the Bank’s business, results of operations and growth prospects.

The Banks hedging strategy may not be able to prevent losses.

The Bank uses diverse instruments and strategies to hedge its exposures to a number of risks associated with its business, but the Bank may incur losses if such hedges are not effective. The Bank may not be able to hedge its positions, or do so only partially, or its hedges may not have the desired effectiveness to mitigate the Bank’s exposure to the diverse risks and market in which it is involved.

Any failure to remain in compliance with applicable banking laws or other applicable regulations in the jurisdictions in which the Bank operates could harm its reputation and/or cause it to become subject to fines, sanctions or legal enforcement, which could have ana material adverse effect on the Bank’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

Bladex has adopted various policies and procedures to ensure compliance with applicable laws, including internal controls and “know-your-customer” procedures aimed at preventing money laundering and terrorism financing; however, the participation of multiple parties in any given trade finance transaction can increase complexity and require additional time for due diligence. Also, because trade finance can be more reliant on document-based information than other banking activities, it is susceptible to documentary fraud, which can be linked to money laundering, terrorism financing, illicit activities and/or the circumvention of sanctions or other restrictions (such as export prohibitions, licensing requirements or other trade controls). While the Bank remains alert to potentially high-risk transactions, it is also aware that efforts, such as forgery, double invoicing, partial shipments of goods and use of fictitious goods, may be used to evade applicable laws and regulations. If the Bank’s policies and procedures are ineffective in preventing third parties from using it as a conduit for money laundering or terrorism financing without its knowledge, the Bank’s reputation could suffer and/or it could become subject to fines, sanctions or legal action (including being added to any “blacklists” that would prohibit certain parties from engaging in transactions with the Bank), which could have an adverse effect on the Bank’s business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, amendments to applicable laws and regulations in Panama and other countries in which the Bank operates could impose additional compliance burdens on the Bank.

The Bank may not be able to detect or prevent money laundering and other financial crimes fully or on a timely basis, which could expose the Bank to additional liability and could have a material adverse effect on the Bank.

The Bank is required to comply with applicable anti-money laundering (“AML”),AML, anti-terrorism, anti-bribery and corruption sanctions, laws and regulations. The Bank has developed policies and procedures aimed at detecting and preventing the use of its banking network for money laundering and other financial crime related activities. Financial crime is continually evolving and is subject to increasingly stringent regulatory oversight and focus. This requires proactive and adaptive responses from the Bank so that it is able to deter threats and criminality effectively. If the Bank is unable to fully comply with applicable laws, regulations and expectations, regulators and relevant law enforcement agencies may impose significant fines and other penalties on the Bank, including a complete review of its business systems, day-to-day supervision by external consultants and ultimately the revocation of the Bank’s banking license.

In addition, while the Bank reviews its counterparties’ internal policies and procedures with respect to such matters, the Bank, to a large degree, relies upon its counterparties to maintain and properly apply their own appropriate compliance procedures and internal policies. Such measures, procedures and internal policies may not be completely effective in preventing third parties from using the Bank’s (and its counterparties’) services as a conduit for illicit purposes (including illegal cash operations) without the Bank’s (and its counterparties’) knowledge. If the Bank is associated with, or even accused of having breached AML, anti-terrorism or sanctions requirements, the Bank’s reputation could suffer and/or the Bank could become subject to fines, sanctions and/or legal enforcement (including being added to any blacklists that would prohibit certain parties from engaging in transactions with the Bank). Any of the above consequences could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s operating results, financial condition and prospects.

Expansion and/or enforcement of U.S. economic or financial sanctions, requirements or trade embargoes could have a material adverse effect on the Bank.

The Bank requires all subsidiaries, branches, agencies and offices to comply in all material respects with applicable Sanctions (as defined below). The Bank continues to monitor activities relating to those jurisdictions which are subject to Sanctions and periodically updates its global Sanctions policy to promote compliance with the various requirements resulting from these changes in Sanctions.

During 2019 and in recent years, the U.S. has issued new legislation expanding Sanctions on Nicaragua, North Korea, Russia and Venezuela, and issued an executive order modifying Sanctions with respect to Sudan. Furthermore, in recent years, OFAC has designated some notable groups or financial institutions on the Specially Designated Nationals (“SDN”) List in the regions or jurisdictions where the Bank is either located or in which it does business.

For example, since 2015 and through 2019, the U.S. has continued to expand Sanctions in respect of the Government of Venezuela and certain Venezuelan nationals, including certain Venezuelan government officials effectively blocking all property and interests in property of the Government of Venezuela pursuant to Executive Order 13884 of August 5, 2019. With regard to any Sanctions targeting persons who have been added to OFAC’s SDN List or other persons considered blocked persons under OFAC sanctions, U.S. persons may not make to such persons, or receive from such persons, any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services. These Sanctions also prohibit, with certain limited exceptions, (a) transactions by a U.S. person or within the United States relating to new debt with a maturity greater than 30 days or new equity, of the Government of Venezuela, bonds issued by the Government of Venezuela prior to August 25, 2017, and dividend payments or other distributions of profits to the Government of Venezuela from its controlled entities, and (b) direct or indirect purchases by a U.S. person or within the United States of securities from the Government of Venezuela (other than new debt with a maturity of 30 days or less). These recent Sanctions relating to Venezuela have also resulted in the designation of certain state-owned financial institutions, as SDNs, including Banco De Desarrollo Económico y Social de Venezuela (“BANDES”), Banco Bandes Uruguay S.A., Banco Bicentenario del Pueblo, de la Clase Obrera, Mujer y Comunas, Banco Universal C.A., Banco de Venezuela, S.A. Banco Universal and Banco Prodem S.A.

Beginning in 2018, the U.S. also expanded Sanctions in respect of the Government of Nicaragua and certain Nicaraguan nationals. Like the Venezuela-related Sanctions, these recent Sanctions have also resulted in the designation of certain financial institutions, as SDNs, including Banco Corporativo S.A., a subsidiary to the Venezuelan government-funded Alba de Nicaragua, S.A.

While the Bank does not consider that its business activities with counterparties with whom transactions are restricted or prohibited under U.S. Sanctions are material to its business, these aforementioned recent developments and any future expansion of Sanctions could have a material adverse impact on the Bank due to, among other things, the following:

Changes in applicable law and regulation may have a material adverse effect on the Bank.

The Bank is subject to extensive laws and regulations regarding the Bank’s organization, operations, lending and funding activities, capitalization and other matters. The Bank has no control over applicable law and government regulations, which govern all aspects of its operations, including but not limited to regulations that impose:

The regulatory structure governing financial institutions, such as the Bank, is continuously evolving. Disruptions and volatility in the global financial markets resulting in liquidity problems at major international financial institutions could lead the governments in jurisdictions in which the Bank operates to change laws and regulations applicable to financial institutions based on such international developments.

In response to the global financial crisis, which began in late 2007, national and intergovernmental regulatory entities, such as the Basel Committee on Banking Regulations and Supervisory Practices (the “Basel Committee”) proposed reforms to prevent the recurrence of a similar crisis, including the Basel III framework, which creates new higher minimum regulatory capital requirements. On December 16, 2010 and January 13, 2011, the Basel Committee issued its original guidance (which was updated in 2013) on a number of regulatory reforms to the regulatory capital framework in order to strengthen minimum capital requirements, including the phasing out of innovative Tier 1 and 2 Capital instruments with incentive-based redemption clauses and implementing a leverage ratio on institutions in addition to current risk-based regulatory requirements. The Superintendency of Banks of Panama (“Superintendencia de Bancos de Panamá” or the “Superintendency”) is authorized to increase the minimum capital requirement percentage in Panama in the event that generally accepted international capitalization standards (the standards set by the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision) become more stringent. Non-compliance with this legal lending limit could result in the assessment of administrative sanctions by the Superintendency for such violations, taking into consideration the magnitude of the offense and any prior occurrences, and the magnitude of damages and prejudice caused to third parties. The Bank follows Basel III criteria to determine capitalization levels, and has determined the Bank’s Tier 1 Basel III capital ratio to be 21.1%19.8% as of December 31, 2017.2019. In addition, as of December 31, 2019, the Bank’s primary capital to risk-weighted asset ratio, calculated according to the guidelines of the Banking Law, was 17.3%.

Based on the Bank’s current regulatory capital ratios, as well as conservative assumptions on expected returns and asset growth, the Bank does not anticipate that additional regulatory capital will be required to support its operations in the near future. However, depending on the effects of the rules that complete the implementation of the Basel III framework on Panamanian banks and particularly on other Bank operations, the Bank may need to reassess its ongoing funding strategy for regulatory capital.

The Bank also has operations in countries outside of Panama, including the United States. Changes in the laws or regulations applicable to the Bank business in the countries in which it operates or adoption of new laws, such as the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act (the “Dodd-Frank Act”) in the United States, and the related rulemaking, may have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s business, financial condition, and results of operations. The Dodd-Frank Act was signed into law on July 21, 2010 and was intended to overhaul the financial regulatory framework in the United States following the global financial crisis and has substantially impacted all financial institutions that are subject to its requirements. The Dodd-Frank Act, among other things, imposes higher prudential standards, including more stringent risk-based capital, leverage, liquidity and risk-management requirements, established a Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection, established a systemic risk regulator, consolidated certain federal bank regulators, imposes additional requirements related to corporate governance and executive compensation and requires various U.S. federal agencies to adopt a broad range of new implementing rules and regulations, for which they are given broad discretion.

In 2014, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board issued a final rule strengthening supervision and regulation of large U.S. bank holding companies and foreign banking organizations such(such as the Bank.Bank). The final rule establishes a number of enhanced prudential standards for large U.S. bank holding companies and foreign banking organizations to help increase the resiliency of their operations. These standards include liquidity, risk management, and capital. The final rule was required by sectionSection 165 of the Dodd-Frank Act. Under the final rule, foreign banking organizations with combined U.S. assets of $50 billion or more will be required to establish a U.S. risk committee and employ a U.S. chief risk officer to help ensure that the foreign bank understands and manages the risks of its combined U.S. operations. In addition, these foreign banking organizations will be required to meet enhanced liquidity risk-management standards, conduct liquidity stress tests, and hold a buffer of highly liquid assets based on projected funding needs during a 30-day stress test event. Foreign banking organizations with total consolidated assets of $50 billion or more, but combined U.S. assets of less than $50 billion, are subject to enhanced prudential standards. However, the capital, liquidity, risk-management, and stress testing requirements applicable to these foreign banking organizations are substantially less than those applicable to foreign banking organizations with a larger U.S. presence. In addition, the final rule implements stress testing requirements for foreign banking organizations with total consolidated assets of more than $10 billion and risk committee requirements for foreign banking organizations that meet the asset threshold and are publicly traded. While the majority of these enhanced prudential standards are not currently applicable to the Bank, they could ultimately become applicable as the Bank grows, its U.S. presence or assets increase or if the Dodd-Frank Act is later amended, modified or supplemented with new legislation.

On December 10, 2013, pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Act, federal banking and securities regulators issued final rules to implement Section 619 of the Dodd-Frank Act (the “Volcker Rule”). Generally, subject to certain exceptions, the Volcker Rule restricts banks from: (i) short-term proprietary trading as principal in securities and other financial instruments, and (ii) sponsoring or acquiring or retaining an ownership interest in private equity and hedge funds. The Volcker Rule prohibitions and restrictions generally apply to banking entities, including the Bank, unless an exception applies.Based on analysis of applicable regulations and the Bank’s investment activities, the Bank has determined that its currentinvestmentactivities are not subject to the Volcker Rule restrictions.

The Dodd-Frank Act also will have an impact on the Bank’s derivatives activities if it enters into swaps or security-based swaps with U.S. persons. In particular, Bladex may be subject to mandatory trade execution, mandatory clearing and mandatory posting of margin in connection with its swaps and security-based swaps with U.S. persons.

On March 18, 2010, the Hiring Incentives to Restore Employment Act of 2010, Pub. L. 111-147 (H.R. 2847), added sectionsSections 1471 through 1474 (collectively, “FATCA”) to Subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the “Code”). FATCA requires withholding agents, including foreign financial institutions (“FFIs”), to withhold thirty percent (30%) of certain payments to a FFI unless the FFI has entered into an agreement with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) to, among other things, report certain information with respect to U.S. accounts. FATCA also imposes on withholding agents certain withholding, documentation, and reporting requirements with respect to certain payments made to certain non-financial foreign entities.

On June 30, 2014, Panama signed a Model 1 intergovernmental agreement (“Panama IGA”) with the U.S. for purposes of FATCA. Under the Panama IGA, most Panamanian financial institutions are required to register with the IRS and comply with the requirements of the Panama IGA, including with respect to due diligence, reporting, and withholding.

To this end, the Bank registered with the IRS on April 23, 2014 as a Registered Deemed-Compliant Financial Institution (including a Reporting Financial Institution under a Model 1 IGA) and is required under the Panama IGA to identify U.S. persons and report certain information required by the IRS, through the tax authorities in Panama.

Any changes in applicable laws and regulations, as well as the volume and complexity of the laws and regulations applicable to the Bank, may have a material adverse effect on the Bank.

Adoption of IFRS affects the presentation of our financial information, which was prepared under United States Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“U.S. GAAP”) prior to January 1, 2015.

On January 1, 2015, the Bank began preparing its financial statements in accordance with IFRS, in compliance with a Superintendency mandate applicable to all financial institutions registered under general license in Panama. Prior to and including the year ended December 31, 2014, the Bank prepared its financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP. Because IFRS differ in certain significant respects from U.S. GAAP, the Bank’s financial information prepared and presented in its previous annual reports under U.S. GAAP is not directly comparable to its IFRS financial data. The lack of comparability with historical financial data may make it difficult to gain a full and accurate understanding of the Bank’s operations and financial condition.

Any failure by the Bank to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting may adversely affect investor confidence and, as a result, the value of investments in our securities.

The Bank is required under the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 to furnish a report by the Bank’s management on the effectiveness of its internal control over financial reporting and to include a report by its independent auditors attesting to such effectiveness. Any failure by the Bank to maintain effective internal control over financial reporting could adversely affect its ability to report accurately its financial condition or results of operations. If the Bank is unable to conclude that its internal control over financial reporting is effective, or if its independent auditors determine that Bladex has a material weakness or significant deficiency in its internal control over financial reporting, the Bank could lose investor confidence in the accuracy and completeness of its financial reports, the market prices of its shares could decline, and could be subject to sanctions or investigations by the SECSecurities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) or other regulatory authorities. Failure to remedy any material weakness in its internal control over financial reporting, or to implement or maintain other effective control systems required of public companies subject to SEC regulation, also could restrict the Bank’s future access to the capital markets.

The Bank makes estimates and assumptions in connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements, and any changes to those estimates and assumptions could have a material adverse effect on its operating results.

In connection with the preparation of its consolidated financial statements, the Bank uses certain estimates and assumptions based on historical experience and other factors. While the Bank’s management believes that these estimates and assumptions are reasonable under the current circumstances, they are subject to significant uncertainties, some of which are beyond its control. Should any of these estimates and assumptions change or prove to have been incorrect, its reported operating results could be materially adversely affected.

Regulation and reform of LIBOR, EURIBOR or other benchmarks could adversely affect financial instruments linked to such benchmarks.

On July 27, 2017, the U.K. Financial Conduct Authority announced that it will no longer compel or persuade banks to contribute to LIBOR rate setting after 2021. It remains unclear whether LIBOR will continue to be viewed as an acceptable market benchmark rate, what rate or rates may develop as accepted alternatives to LIBOR, or what the effect of any such changes may have on the markets for LIBOR-based financial instruments.

Uncertainty as to the nature of potential changes, alternative reference rates or other reforms may adversely affect market liquidity, the pricing of LIBOR-based instruments and the availability and cost of associated hedging instruments and borrowings. Payments under contracts referencing new reference rates may differ from those referencing LIBOR. The transition may change the Bank’s risk profile and require changes to its risk and pricing models, valuation tools, product design and hedging strategies. Although the Bank is unable to quantify the ultimate impact of the transition from LIBOR given the uncertain nature of the potential changes, it continues to monitor the developments related to the future of LIBOR in line with any regulatory or quasi-regulatory guidance. Moreover, the failure to manage any potential transition from LIBOR to a different reference rate, or rates, may adversely affect the Bank’s reputation, business and financial condition, and results of operations.

Recent changes in the Bank’s senior management team may be disruptive to, or cause uncertainty in, the Bank’s business, results of operations and the market price of its shares.

The Bank has recently experienced turnover in its senior management team, includingappointed Mr. Jorge Salas as the replacement of itsBank’s new Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer. As previously announced, Rubens V. Amaral Jr. has decided to retireeffective as Chief Executive Officer and will be succeeded by Gabriel Tolchinsky upon Mr. Amaral’s departure from the Bank effective at close of business on April 30, 2018.March 9, 2020. While the Bank’s new Chief Executive Officer has extensive management experience at financial institutions and funds focused on the Region, he has limited experience as a senior officer of the Bank, having served as Chief Operating Officer since May 2017. The Bank’sis new Chief Financial Officer, Ana Graciela de Méndez, has worked at the Bank in various capacities since 1990, and has held the role of alternate to the Chief Financial Officer since 2014, though she has limited experience serving asBank’s management team which could limit the Bank’s Chief Financial Officer, having been appointed in December 2017. Any lack of experience in their roles as Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank, respectively, or lack of experience working together as a group, could negatively impact the Bank’s senior management team’s ability to quickly and efficiently respond to problems and effectively manage the Bank’s business. If the Bank’s management team is not able to work effectively, either individually or as together as a group, the Bank’s results of operations may be negatively impacted.

The loss of senior management, or the Bank’s ability to attract and market pricemaintain key personnel, could have a material adverse effect on it.

The Bank’s ability to maintain its competitive position and implement its strategy depends on its senior management. The loss of some of the members of the Bank’s senior management, or the Bank’s inability to maintain and attract additional personnel, could have a material adverse effect on its operations and ability to implement its strategy. The Bank’s performance and success are largely dependent on the talents and efforts of highly skilled individuals. Talent attraction and retention is one of the key pillars for supporting the results of Bladex, which is focused on client satisfaction and sustainable performance. The Bank’s ability to attract, develop, motivate and retain the right number of appropriately qualified people is critical to its performance and ability to thrive throughout the Region. Concurrently, the Bank faces the challenge of providing a new experience to employees, so that the Bank is able to attract and retain highly-qualified professionals who value environments offering equal opportunities and who wish to build their careers in dynamic, cooperative workplaces, which encourage diversity and meritocracy and are up to date with new work models.

The Bank’s performance could be adversely affected if it were unable to attract, retain and motivate key talent. As the Bank is highly dependent on the technical skills of its shares may suffer,personnel, including successors to crucial leadership positions, as well as their relationships with clients, the loss of key components of the Bank’s workforce could make it difficult to compete, grow and its business may be harmed.manage the business. A loss of such expertise could have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s financial performance, future prospects and competitive position.

Risks Relating to the Region

The Bank’s credit activities are concentrated in the Region. The Bank also faces borrower concentration. Adverse economic developments in the Region or in the condition of the Bank’s largest borrowers could adversely affect the Bank’s growth, asset quality, prospects, profitability, financial condition and financial results.

As a reflection of the Bank’s mission and strategy, the Bank’s credit and other activities are concentrated in the Region, and are therefore highly susceptible to macroeconomic factors throughout the Region, as well as in individual countries. Economies in the Region have historically experienced significant volatility evidenced, in some cases, by political uncertainty, including with respect to upcoming elections, slow economic growth or recessions, increases in unemployment and the resulting reduction in consumer purchasing power, declining investments, fluctuations in interest rates and the capital markets, government and private sector debt defaults and restructurings, and significant inflation and/or currency devaluation.  Furthermore, since the outbreak of COVID-19 in December 2019, economies in the Region have faced, and continue to face, significant economic difficulties and uncertainties as a result of the spread of the virus and the effects of restrictive governmental measures to prevent its spread. See Item 3.D., “Key Information--Risk Factors—Risks Relating to the Bank’s Business--The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and measures intended to prevent its spread could have material adverse effects on the Bank’s business, results of operations, cash flows and financial condition,” and Item 5.D., “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Trend Information.”

Global economic changes, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, fluctuations in commodity prices, oil and energy prices, U.S. dollar interest rates and U.S. dollar exchange rates, and slower economic growth in industrialized countries, could have adverse effects on the economic condition of countries in the Region, including Panama, and other countries in which the Bank operates. There could be downside in the country risk of the most vulnerable countries of the Region on the back of a potential disorderly sovereign debt restructuring as, for example, Argentina and Ecuador. Adverse changes affecting the economies in the Region could have a significant adverse impact on the quality of the Bank’s credit exposures, including increased allowance for losses, debt restructurings and loan losses. In turn, these effects could also have an adverse impact on the Bank’s asset growth, asset quality, prospects, profitability and financial condition.

Banks, including Bladex, that operate in countries considered to be emerging markets may be particularly susceptible to disruptions and reductions in the availability of credit or increases in financing costs, which may have a material adverse impact on their operations. In particular, the availability of credit to financial institutions operating in emerging markets is significantly influenced by an aversion to global risk. In addition, any factor impacting investors’ confidence, such as a downgrade in credit ratings of a particular country or an intervention by a government or monetary authority in any such markets, may affect the price or availability of resources for financial institutions in any of these markets, which may affect the Bank.

The Bank also faces borrower concentration, with its credit activities being in a number of countries. The Bank’s credit portfolio (the “Credit Portfolio”) consists of the Commercial Portfolio and the “Investment Portfolio.” The “Investment Portfolio” consists of securities at FVOCI and investment securities at amortized cost. Adverse changes affecting one or more of these economies could have a material adverse impact on the Bank’s Credit Portfolio and, as a result, its financial condition, growth, prospects, results of operations and financial condition. As of December 31, 2019, 59% of the Bank’s Credit Portfolio was outstanding to borrowers in the following five countries: Brazil ($1,067 million, or 16%), Colombia ($972 million, or 15%), Mexico ($803 million, or 12%), Chile ($688 million, or 10%), and Ecuador ($427 million, or 6%).

In addition, as of December 31, 2019, of the Bank’s total Credit Portfolio balances, 9% were to five borrowers in each of Brazil and Colombia, 7% were to five borrowers in Chile, and 6% were to five borrowers in each of Mexico and Ecuador. A significant deterioration of the financial or economic condition of any of these countries or borrowers could have a material adverse impact on the Bank’s Credit Portfolio, potentially requiring the Bank to create additional allowances for expected credit losses, or suffer credit losses with the effect accentuated because of this concentration.

The Bank’s mission is focused on supporting trade and regional integration across the Region. As a result, any increases in tariffs or other restrictions on foreign trade, or resulting uncertainty that reduces international trade flows, either throughout the Region or globally, could adversely affect the Bank’s business, results of operations or share price.

The Bank’s mission is focused on supporting trade and regional integration across the Region, and a significant portion of the Bank’s operations is derived from financing trade related transactions. As a result, increases in tariffs, changes in U.S. political, regulatory and economic conditions in the U.S. or in U.S.the Region, or in policies governing infrastructure, trade and foreign investment in the U.S., or other restrictions on foreign trade throughout the Region or globally could adversely affect the Bank’s business and results of operations. For example, the Trump administration in the U.S. has increasingly threatened to impose tariffs on a variety of imports from countries throughout the world, including the Region, and has recently imposed certain tariffs on steel and aluminum. China has recently announced retaliatoryalso imposed tariffs against certain American products. Furthermore,The U.S. and China agreed upon phase one of a trade agreement reducing protectionist measures by both countries. Negotiations for a second phase of the Trump administration has expressed significant doubts regarding existing trade agreements, includingagreement could be affected if China fails to meet certain commitments it made in phase one, which may be more difficult to uphold following the North American Free Trade Agreement (“NAFTA”), and issued an executive order announcingspread of the United States’ withdrawal from the Trans-Pacific Partnership (“TPP”).coronavirus in China. There can be no assurance that the U.S. or China, or other countries, including those in the Region, will not move to implement further tariffs or restrictions on trade, or what the scope and effects of any such restrictions might be. Any such tariffs or restrictions, or uncertainty surrounding any future restrictions, could materially adversely affect international trade flows, which is a core sector underlying the Bank’s business model. TheAny such disruptions in international trade flows could materially and adversely affect the demand and pricing of the Bank’s trade related lending activities, and therefore have a material adverse effect on the Bank’s business, financial condition, results of operations and share price could therefore be materially adversely effected by any such developments.price.

Global markets and currencies were also adversely impacted after the U.K.’s referendum on the exit fromThe United Kingdom (the “UK”) left the European Union (the “E.U.”), on January 31, 2020, which was a process commonly referred to as “Brexit”, was passed into law, and entered a transition period until December 31, 2020. During the transition period the UK will continue to be bound by E.U. laws and regulations. Beyond that date there is no certainty on June 19, 2017 negotiations commenced to determinewhat the future terms ofrelationship between the U.K.’s relationship withUK and the E.U. After several monthswill be. This ongoing lack of negotiations, an initial settlementcertainty has been reached on some of the key issues that were blocking future negotiation, such as trade arrangements. There is stillled to uncertainty regarding the possible results of the initial settlement, as well as the outcome of pending tariff, trade, regulatory and other negotiations.in international markets. As a result, of the Brexit referendum, the global markets and currencies have beenmay be adversely impacted, including sharp fluctuations in the value of the British pound as compared to the U.S. dollar. Such effectsAny market disruptions, including, among others, disruptions in financial markets or international trade, as a result of Brexit or otherwise, could have a materialan adverse effect on the Bank.

The Bank’s credit activities are concentrated in the Region. The Bank also faces borrower concentration. Adverse economic changes in the Region or in the condition of the Bank’s largest borrowers could adversely affect the Bank’s growth, asset quality, prospects, profitability,business, financial conditionconditions and financial results.

As a reflection of the Bank’s mission and strategy, the Bank’s credit activities are concentrated in the Region. Economies in the Region have historically experienced significant volatility evidenced, in some cases, by political uncertainty, including with respect to upcoming elections, slow growth or recessions, declining investments, government and private sector debt defaults and restructurings, and significant inflation and/or currency devaluation.  Global economic changes, including fluctuations in oil prices, commodity prices, U.S. dollar interest rates and U.S. dollar exchange rates, and slower economic growth in industrialized countries, could have adverse effects on the economic condition of countries in the Region, including Panama, and other countries in which the Bank operates. Adverse changes affecting the economies in the Region could have a significant adverse impact on the quality of the Bank’s credit exposures, including increased allowance for ECL, debt restructurings and loan losses. In turn, these effects could also have an adverse impact on the Bank’s asset growth, asset quality, prospects, profitability and financial condition.

The Bank’s credit activities are concentrated in a number of countries. The Bank’s credit portfolio (the “Credit Portfolio”) consists of the Commercial Portfolio and the Investment Securities Portfolio. The “Investment Securities Portfolio” consists of securities at FVOCI and investment securities at amortized cost. Adverse changes affecting one or more of these economies could have an adverse impact on the Bank’s Credit Portfolio and, as a result, its financial condition, growth, prospects, results of operations and financial condition. As of December 31, 2017, 63% of the Bank’s Credit Portfolio was outstanding to borrowers in the following five countries: Brazil ($1,023 million, or 17%), Colombia ($949 million, or 16%), Mexico ($906 million, or 15%), Panama ($556 million, or 9%) and Costa Rica ($376 million, or 6%).operations.

In addition, as of December 31, 2017, of the Bank’s total Credit Portfolio balances, 8% were to five borrowers in Colombia, 7% were to five borrowers in each of Brazil and Mexico, and 5% were to five borrowers in each of Costa Rica and Panama. A significant deterioration of the financial or economic condition of any of these countries or borrowers could have an adverse impact on the Bank’s Credit Portfolio, potentially requiring the Bank to create additional allowances for ECL, or suffer credit losses with the effect accentuated because of this concentration.

See Item 4.B., “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Developments During 2017”.

Local country foreign exchange controls or currency devaluation, monetary tightening, higher interest rates and rising inflation, may harm the Bank’s borrowers’ ability to pay U.S. dollar-denominated obligations.

The Bank makes mostly U.S. dollar-denominated loans and investments.  As a result, the Bank faces the risk that local foreign exchange controls may restrict the ability of the Bank’s borrowers to acquire dollars to repay loans on a timely basis, even if they are exporters, and/or that significant currency devaluation might occur, which could increase the cost, in local currency terms, to the Bank’s borrowers of acquiring dollars to repay loans. Additionally, several Latin American currencies have devalued sharply against the U.S. dollar, on concerns about the U.S. trade policy agenda, coupled with a trend of rate increases by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board. Asset risks may rise for banks that lend to exporters or high value-added manufacturers, particularly in the automotive supplier and technology sectors in the Region. U.S. monetary tightening and rising inflation could prompt central banks to tighten monetary policy in Latin American countries, with higher rates potentially leading to weaker asset quality. Rising rates may reduce borrower repayment capacity, leading to an increase in non-performing loan (NPL) ratios as loan growth decelerates. Any of these factors could harm the Bank’s borrowers’ ability to pay U.S. dollar-denominated obligations, which could adversely affect the Bank’s business and results of operations.

A significant portion of the Bank’s Loan Portfolio consists of loans made to borrowers in the oil and gas and agribusiness sectors in the Region. Lending in these sectors presents unique risks related to commodities pricing.

As of December 31, 2019, $561 million, or 10% of the Bank’s Loan Portfolio was comprised of oil and gas related loans, and $327 million, or 6% of the Bank’s Loan Portfolio was comprised of agribusiness loans. Repayment of these loans depends substantially, in some cases, on producing, exploring and exporting and also marketing the oil and gas or other commodities. Collateral securing these loans may be illiquid. In addition, the limited purpose of some agricultural-related collateral affects credit risk because such collateral may have limited or no other uses to support values when loan repayment problems emerge. Many external factors can impact the Bank’s borrowers’ ability to repay their loans, including commodity price volatility (i.e., oil and sugar prices), diseases such as COVID-19, war, adverse weather conditions, water issues, land values, production costs, changing government regulations and subsidy programs, changing tax treatment, technological changes, labor market shortages/increased wages, and changes in consumers’ preferences, over which the Bank’s borrowers may have no control. These factors, as well as recent volatility in certain commodity prices, including the substantial decrease in oil prices, could adversely impact the ability of those to whom the Bank has made loans to perform under the terms of their borrowing arrangements with the Bank, which in turn could result in credit losses and adversely affect the Bank’s business, financial condition and results of operations.

A downgrade in the Bank’s credit ratings may adversely affect its funding costs, access to capital, access to loan and debt capital markets, liquidity and, as a result, its business and results of operations. Increased risk perception in countries in the Region where the Bank has large credit exposures could have an adverse impact on the Bank’s credit ratings, funding activities and funding costs.ratings.

IncreasedCredit ratings represent the opinions of independent rating agencies regarding the Bank’s ability to repay its indebtedness, and affect the cost and other terms upon which it is able to obtain funding. Each of the rating agencies reviews its ratings and rating methodologies on a periodic basis and may decide on a grade change at any time, based on factors that affect the Bank’s financial strength, such as liquidity, capitalization, asset quality and profitability. Credit ratings are essential to the Bank’s capability to raise capital and funding through the issuance of debt, loan transactions, as well as to the cost of such financing.

Among other factors, increased risk perception in any country where the Bank has large exposures could trigger downgrades to the Bank’s credit ratings.  Such perception of increased risk could result from events which are beyond the Bank’s control, such as economic or political crises or the macroeconomic deterioration of certain key economic sectors due to the spread of COVID-19 or otherwise, among other factors. A credit rating downgrade would likely increase the Bank’s funding costs, and may create liquidity risk, reduce its deposit base and access to the lending and debt capital markets.  In that case,markets, trigger additional collateral or funding requirements or decrease the number of investors and counterparties willing or permitted, contractually or otherwise, to do business with or lend to the Bank.  As a result, the Bank’s ability to obtain the necessary funding to carry on its financing activities in the Region at meaningful levels could be affected adversely.

For more informationadversely, which could have a negative effect on the Bank’s Risk Management, see Item 18, “Financial Statements”, note 27.its business and results of operations.

A.       History and Development of the Company

The Bank, a corporation(sociedad anónima) organized under the laws of Panama and headquartered in Panama City, Panama, is a specialized multinational bank originally established by central banks of Latin American and Caribbean countries to promote foreign trade and economic integration in the Region. The legal name of the Bank is Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. Translated into English, the Bank is also known as Foreign Trade Bank of Latin-America,Latin America, Inc. The commercial name of the Bank is Bladex.  

The Bank was established pursuant to a May 1975 proposal presented to the Assembly of Governors of Central Banks in the Region, which recommended the creation of a multinational organization to increase foreign trade financing capacity of the Region. The Bank was organized in 1977, incorporated in 1978 as a corporation pursuant to the laws of the Republic of Panama, and officially began operations on January 2, 1979. Panama was selected as the location of the Bank’s headquarters because of the country’s importance as a banking center in the Region, the benefits of a fully U.S. dollar-based economy, the absence of foreign exchange controls, its geographic location, and the quality of its communications facilities.  Under a contract-law signed in 1978 between the Republic of Panama and Bladex, Bladexthe Bank was granted certain privileges by the Republic of Panama, including an exemption from payment of income taxes in Panama.

The Bank offers its services through its head office in Panama City, its agency in New York (the “New York Agency”), its subsidiaries in Brazil and Mexico, and its representative offices in Buenos Aires, Argentina; Mexico City, Mexico; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Lima, Peru; and Bogotá, Colombia, and its representative license in Peru, as well as through a worldwide network of correspondent banks. On April 3, 2017, the Bank obtained approval from the National Banking and Securities Commission of Mexico to close its Representative Office in Monterrey, Mexico, and closed this office on April 7, 2017.

Bladex’s head office is located at Torre V, Business Park, Avenida La Rotonda, Urb. Costa del Este, Panama City, Republic of Panama, and its telephone number is +507 210-8500.

The New York Agency, which began operations on March 27, 1989, is located at 10 Bank Street, Suite 1220, White Plains, NY 10606, and its telephone number is +1 (914) 328-6640. The New York Agency is principally engaged in financing transactions related to international trade, mainly the confirmation and financing of letters of credit for customers in the Region. The New York Agency is also authorized to book transactions through an International Banking Facility (“IBF”).

Bladex’s shares of Class E common stock are listed on the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) under the symbol “BLX.”

The following is a description of the Bank’s subsidiaries:

On April 2, 2013, Bladex reached a definitive agreement to sell its Asset Management Unit. The Asset Management Unit was sold to Alpha4X Asset Management, LLC (“Alpha4X”), a company majority-owned by former executives of the Asset Management Unit. In connectionSEC maintains an internet site that contains reports, proxy and information statements, and other information regarding issuers that file electronically with the sale: (i) Bladex Offshore Feeder Fund became Alpha4X Feeder Fund (the “Feeder”), (ii) Bladex Capital Growth Fund became Alpha4X Capital Growth Fund (the “Fund”), and (iii) Bladex Latam Fundo de Investimento Multimercado became Alpha4X Latam Fundo de Investimento Multimercado.SEC at http://www.sec.gov. Information is also available on the Bank’s website at: http://www.bladex.com

The changes of the Bank’s investment in the Feeder were recorded in the consolidated statement of profit or loss of that fund in the “Gain (loss) per financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss” line item. The Feeder was not consolidated in the Bank’s financial statements as a result of the evaluation of control as per IFRS 10 “Consolidated financial statements” according to which the existing rights in the fund did not give the Bank the ability to direct the relevant activities of the fund nor the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its return. At December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Bank did not have any participation in the Feeder, compared to participation in the Feeder of 47.71% and 49.61% at December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

B.       Business Overview

Bladex also reported the changes in the net asset value of the Brazilian Fund in the “Gain (loss) per financial instruments at fair value through profit and loss” line item, which the Bank did not consolidate, because the rights on this fund did not give the Bank the ability to direct its relevant activities nor the ability to use its power over the investee to affect its return. This investment was adjusted to recognize the Bank’ss participation in the profits or losses of the fund in the line “Gain (loss) per financial instruments at fair value through profit or loss” of the consolidated statement of profit or loss.

The Bank remained an investor in these funds until March 31, 2016, redeeming its investments entirely on April 1, 2016.

See Item 18, “Financial Statements,” note 1, and 2.1.

Overview

The Bank’s mission is to provide financial solutions of excellence to financial institutions, companies and investors doing business in Latin America, supporting trade and regional integration across the Region.

As a multinational bank operating in 23 countries with a strong and historic commitment to Latin America, the Bank possesses extensive knowledge of business practices, risk and regulatory environments, accumulated over decadesforty years of doing business throughout the entire Region. Bladex provides foreign trade solutions to a select client base of premier Latin-American financial institutions and corporations, and has developed an extensive network of correspondent banking institutions with access to the international capital markets. Bladex enjoys a preferred creditor status in many jurisdictions, being recognized by its strong capitalization, prudent risk management and sound corporate governance standards. Bladex fosters long-term relationships with clients, and it has developed over the years a reputation for excellence when responding to its clients’ needs, in addition to having a solid financial track record, which has reinforced its brand recognition and its franchise value in the Region, and contributes to the Bank achieving its vision of becoming thebeing recognized as a leading institution in Latin America supporting foreign trade and regional integration.integration across Latin America.

The Bank’s lending and investing activities are funded by interbank deposits, primarily from central banks and financial institutions in the Region, by borrowings from international commercial banks, and by sales of the Bank’s debt securities to financial institutions and investors in Asia, Europe, North America and the Region. The Bank does not provide retail banking services to the general public, such as retail savings accounts or checking accounts, and does not take retail deposits.

Bladex participates in the financial and capital markets throughout the Region, through two business segments.

The Commercial Business Segment encompasses the Bank’s core business of financial intermediation and fee generation activities developed to cater to corporations, financial institutions and investors in Latin America. The extensive array of products and services include the origination of bilateral short- and medium-term loans, structured and syndicated credits, short- and medium-term loans, customers’ liabilities under acceptances, loan commitments, and financial guarantee contracts,letter of credit contingencies such as issued and confirmed andletters of credit, stand-by letters of credit, and guarantees covering commercial risk.risk, and other assets consisting of customers’ liabilities under acceptances. The majority of the Bank’s short-term loans are extended in connection with specifically identified foreign trade transactions. Through its revenue diversification strategy, the Bank’s Commercial Business Segment has introduced a broader range of products, services and solutions associated with foreign trade, including co-financing arrangements, underwriting of syndicated credit facilities, structured trade financing (in the form of factoring and vendor financing) and financial leasing.

The Treasury Business Segment focuses on managing the Bank’s investment portfolio, and the overall structure of its assets and liabilities to achieve more efficient funding and liquidity positions for the Bank, mitigating the traditional financial risks associated with the balance sheet, such as interest rate, liquidity, price and currency risks. Interest-earning assets managed by the Treasury Business Segment include liquidity positions (cashin cash and cash equivalents)equivalents and financial instruments related to the Bank’s investment management activities, consisting of securities at FVOCI and investment securities at amortized cost. The Treasury Business Segment also manages the Bank’s interest-bearing liabilities, which constitute its funding sources and which consist mainly of deposits, short- and long-term borrowings and debt.

Historically, trade finance has been afforded favorable treatment duringin the context of debt restructurings of Latin American debt restructurings.borrowers. This has been, in part, due to the perceived importance that governments and other borrowers in the Region have attributed to maintaining access to trade finance. The Bank believes that, in the past, the combination of its focus on trade finance and the composition of its Class A shareholders has been instrumental in obtaining certain exceptions regarding U.S. dollar convertibility and transfer limitations imposed on the servicing of external obligations, or preferred creditor status. Although the Bank maintains both its focus on trade finance and its Class A shareholders’ participation,participations, it cannot guarantee that such exceptions will be granted in all future debt restructurings.

As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank had 5951 employees, or 31%29% of its total employees, across its offices responsible for marketing the Bank’s financial products and services to existing and potential new customers.

Developments During 20172019

TheDuring 2019, global economy continued to grow in an uncertain environment, characterized by increasing volatility. In 2019, the global economy experienced its weakest year of growth since the previous 2008 financial crisis, weighed down by tensions that have significantly slowed international trade. According to the International Monetary Fund (“IMF”), global growth was only 2.9%, which was significantly below what we believe to be global potential growth. The main drivers for the lackluster performance of the world economy were: the trade war between the United States and China, negative trade flows that disrupted supply chains, and particular risks in countries such as Italy and Turkey which, together with Brexit, affected European growth and in particular, growth in Germany.

2019 was characterized by increased conflict in international trade and increases in tariffs by several countries related to a range of products. For example, the Trump administration in the U.S. has estimatedincreased tariffs on a variety of imports from countries throughout the world, including the Region, and continues to threaten additional new, and increases in existing, tariffs. For example, in 2019 the U.S. imposed certain increased tariffs on certain products imported from China. China has also announced retaliatory tariffs against certain U.S. products. Furthermore, the Trump administration has undertaken to replace NAFTA with the USMCA, which has now been ratified by each of the United States, Canada and Mexico.

2019 was also a challenging year for economies in Latin America. Regional economic growth was 0.1%, significantly below the 1% growth recorded in 2018, and significantly below the 2.1% level of growth that had been projected by the IMF. Other than 2016, when Brazil experienced its sharpest recession in the last 70 years, 2019 was the slowest growth year for the Region in a decade. Of the largest three economies of Latin America, which represent about 75% of the GDP of the Region, Brazil was the only one that registered any meaningful growth, growing tepidly at 1.2%. Mexico had zero growth – a remarkable decoupling from a strong U.S. economy. Argentina’s GDP shrank by 3.3%.

Increased policy uncertainty in several large Latin American countries continues to weigh on growth. For example, uncertainty surrounding economic policy and reforms in Brazil and Mexico likely contributed to the slowdown in real GDP and investment growth in 2019.

In addition, Regional growth was significantly impacted by (i) depressed commodity prices as a result of trade uncertainties and a strong U.S. dollar; (ii) Mexico registering no GDP growth of 3.7% in 2017, driven primarily by the dynamics of U.S. growth, the improvements in the Euro zone, fiscal expansion in China and growing trade flows. Latin America posted 1.3% GDP growth in 2017, as the negative credit cycle and particularly the recession in Brazil came to an end, and due to growthnecessary fiscal restraint, tight monetary policy to keep portfolio monies flowing and a fundamental lack of investment; (iii) the potential for social unrest in otherChile; and (iv) smaller countries such as Costa Rica registering fiscal imbalances and Ecuador struggling to comply with its IMF program.

More recently, certain countries in the Region propelled by better internal demand dynamics. This GDPhave experienced social unrest, namely Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, and Ecuador, which, in some cases, disrupted economic activity. Economic policy uncertainty has also risen in these countries as governments consider alternative policies and reforms to make growth followed weak performance by the Region in the previous few years. On the political front, election results in Argentinamore inclusive and in Chile helped boost the confidence of international investors, generating a more favorable business environment.address social demands.

Bladex’s performancePotential growth continues to be impeded by lingering structural problems, including high public debt, weaker financial systems, high unemployment, and vulnerability to commodity and climate-related shocks. Some countries have started to strengthen their fiscal positions, but further tightening is needed in 2017 demonstratedothers to ensure debt sustainability.

Within this economic context, liquidity concerns for the sustainability of its business model and the Bank’s ability to continue to deliver solid results in a challenging environment, which last year included political turmoil in key countriestop corporate names in the Region were exacerbated by the combination of low growth and slowerrisk aversion, which compressed margins to levels which may not always compensate for the level of credit risk associated with particular borrowers. Against this backdrop, Bladex was able to deliver a net profit of $86.1 million for 2019, which resulted in a return on average equity (“ROAE”) of 8.6% and a return on average assets (“ROAA”) of 1.36%, significantly higher than expected economic growth, accompanied by2018 levels of 1.1% and 0.17%, respectively. The focus on high quality borrowers and abundant U.S. dollar liquidity thatin key markets put pressure on the Bank’s origination margins. In addition, the Bank remained aware of theHowever, despite this challenging environment, for global and regional trade, as NAFTA, TPP and BREXIT discussions continuedBladex was able to evolve in 2018.

Despite these challenges, the Bank’s profit was $82 million in 2017, representing a return on equity of 8%, down from 8.8% in 2016 due to lower average portfolio balances and lower margins. The Bank ended the year with a strong 21.1% Tier I capital ratio while the net interestmaintain relatively stable margin and net interest spread were 1.85% and 1.48%, respectively, which were below 2016 levels. The Bank’s syndicated and structured transactions tied to Latin American integration had a solid 2019 performance, with income increasing 14% in 2019 compared to 2018. On the cost side, operating expenses were only slightly higherdecreased 17% year-over-year in 2019 compared to 2018, reflecting effective cost control management and overall improved structural and operational efficiencies.

Bladex continues to analyze the risk/reward equation at the country level, adjusting the Bank’s portfolio accordingly and maintaining a vigilant credit underwriting posture. As 73% of the Bank’s Commercial Portfolio at the end of 2019 had less than the previousone year due largelyof remaining life, Bladex is in a privileged position to non-recurring severance expenses associated withdynamically adjust its efforts to streamlineexposures. The Bank believes that its book of business model and increase efficiency throughout the organization. Bladex’s loan syndication and structuring business postedis solid, results again in 2017, contributing decisively to increased fee income and to the market perception of Bladex as a reliable and successful partner in its line of business. Fee income associated with the addition of new clients and prospects identified during 2019. Credit impaired loan totals decreased in 2019 compared to 2018, as did the volume of transactions that have been placed on the Bank’s traditional product, letterswatch list category, with the Bank registering a credit reserve coverage ratio of credit, increased1.7 times Non-Performing Loans as well, confirming Bladex’s reputationof December 31, 2019. Finally, the Bank’s Tier I Basel III capital ratio remained strong at 19.8% as of December 31, 2019, with a solid financial institution in the Region. Ample access to funding in 2017, across diversified sources and geographies, proved again the creditworthiness that Bladex enjoys in the international capital markets.

See Item 5, “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Profit for the year” and “Trend Information” and Item 18, “Financial Statements,” note 17.book value above $25 per share.

Strategies for 20182020 and Subsequent Years

StreamliningFocus on credit underwriting soundness and liquidity management in light of the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic

Since the World Health Organization declared a global pandemic in March 11^th, 2020, Bladex has successfully activated its Business Continuity Plan, including the closure of its offices, and work-from-home policies for employees, and has successfully implemented measures to preserve the Bank’s liquidity position.. The Bank believes that these and other measures taken have represented an effective and agile response to the extreme circumstances arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The strategies described below are subject to the effects of the Bank having to operate in a substantially different environment in 2020 and thereafter than in previous periods. Since the onset of COVID-19 the Bank has leveraged the short-term and trade finance nature of its Commercial Portfolio as a means to provide sufficient flexibility to react to, and realign size and composition of, the Commercial Portfolio, to take account of external risks and expected developments.

As a result, during the duration of the COVID-19 crisis, the Bank’s commercial strategy will continue to prioritize underwriting credit soundness, liquidity management and risk/reward targets for each transaction, over portfolio growth.

Streamline the Bank’s operating model for greater efficiency

The Bank aims to improvecontinue improving efficiency and productivity throughout theits organization, with investments having already been made in technology and more efficient processes. The Bank is focusing on a number of items, including a more centralized management model with our Head Office providing risk management and administrative support to the representative offices leaving the representative offices free to concentrateconcentrating primarily on origination and client relationship management. The Bank expects that this plan will reduce costs, contribute to its goal of operational excellence and provide greater flexibility to respond to the demands of its clients.

Further extendgrow the Bank’s business in politically and economically stable, high-growth markets

The Bank’s expertise in risk and capital management and extensive knowledge of the Region allows it to identify and strategically focus on stable and growth-oriented markets, including investment-grade countries in the Region. Bladex maintains strategically placedlocated representative offices in order to provide focused products and services in markets that the Bank considers key to its continued growth.

Targeted growth in expanding and diversifying the Bank’s client basecountry and industry exposure

The Bank’s strategy is to participate in a broad range of activities associated with trade and further diversify its client base includesthe trade supply chain, as well as integration across Latin American, targeting clients that offer the potential for longstanding relationships and a wider presence in the Region, such as financial institutions, corporations, sovereigns and state-owned entities. This may be achievedThe Bank seeks to achieve this through the Bank’s participation in bilateral and co-financed transactions and theby strengthening ofthe short- and medium-trade services provided.medium-term trade and non-trade financing that it provides. The Bank intends to continue enhancing existing client relationships and establish new client-relationships through its Region-wide expertise, product knowledge, quality of service, agile decision-making process and client approach, and by strategically targeting industries and participants in the value chain of international trade by country within the Region. Targeted participants operating

The Bank plans to continue targeting clients across a diversified range of industry sectors, and will seek to limit the concentration of any single corporate industry sector to a maximum of 10% of its total Loan Portfolio. The Bank plans to continue to focus on strategic sectors in most of the main exporting sectors related to commodities (agribusiness, oil & gas, metals, and petrochemicals, among others) and services (transportation and utilities, among others).international trade.

The Bank plans to focus its future efforts on growing its business with a larger number of corporate clients along the trade value chain, reinforcingwhich management believes will reinforce the Bank’s business model, enhancingenhance origination capacity and deployingall the use ofBank to deploy capital as well as striving for a greater dispersion ofmost effectively. The Bank also intends to continue diversifying its credit risk profile, in order to continue diversifying and mitigatingto mitigate the impact of potential losses, should they occur.

Increase the range of products and services that the Bank offersoffered to clients

Due toAs a result of the Bank’s relationships throughout and knowledge of, the Region, the Bankmanagement believes it is well positioned to strategically identify key additional products and services to offer to clients. The Bank’s Articles of Incorporation permit a broad scope of potential activities, encompassing all types of banking, investment, and financial and other businesses that support foreign trade flows and the development of trade and integration in the Region. This supports the Bank’s ongoing strategy to develop and expand products and services such as vendor finance, letters of credit, leasing, debt intermediation in primary and secondary markets, syndications, including export insurance programs, that complement the Bank’s expertise in foreign trade finance and risk management.

management, such as: i) financing acquisitions from the Bank’s structuring and syndication business desk, as well as liability management transactions, ii) letters of credit client base diversification, and iii) vendor finance with a focus on supply chain finance through electronic platforms.

Lending Policies

The Bank extends credit directly to financial institutions corporations and upper middle-market companiescorporations within the Region. The distinction between corporations and upper middle-market companies is based on the respective client’s volumes of annual sales, the borrower’s country of domicile and the size of the market in which it operates, as well as certain other criteria. The Bank finances import and export transactions for all types of goods and products, with the exception of certain restricted items such as weapons, ammunition, military equipment and hallucinogenic drugs or narcotics not utilized for medical purposes. Imports and exports financed by the Bank are destined for buyers and sellers in countries both inside and outside the Region. The Bank analyzes credit requests from eligible borrowers by applying its credit risk criteria, including economic and market conditions. The Bank maintains a consistent lending policy and applies the same credit criteria to all types of potential borrowers in evaluating creditworthiness.

Due to the nature of trade finance, the Bank’s loans are generally unsecured. However, in certain instances, based upon the Bank’s credit review of the borrower and the economic and political situation and trends in the borrower’s home country, the Bank may determine that the level of risk involved requires that a loan be secured by collateral.

Country Credit Limits

The Bank maintains a continual review of each country's risk profile evolution, supporting its analysis with various factors, both quantitative and qualitative, the main driving factors of which include: the evolution of macroeconomic policies (fiscal, monetary, and exchange rate policy), fiscal and external performance, price stability, level of liquidity in foreign currency, changes of legal and institutional framework, as well as material social and political events, among others, including industry analysis relevant to Bladex business activities.  

Bladex has a methodology for capital allocation by country and its risk weights for assets. The Risk Policy and Assessment Committee (the “CPER”) of the Bank’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) approves a level of “allocated capital” for each country, in addition to nominal exposure limits. These country capital limits are reviewed at least once a year by the CPER, and more often if necessary. The methodology helps to establish the capital equivalent of each transaction, based on the internal numeric rating assigned to each country, which is reviewed and approved by the CPER.

The amount of capital allocated to a transaction is based on customer type (sovereign, state-owned or private corporations, middle-market companies, or financial institutions), the type of transaction (trade or non-trade), and the average remaining term of the transaction (from one to 180 days, 181 days to a year, between one and three years, or longer than three years). Capital utilizations by the business units cannot exceed the Bank’s reported total stockholders’ equity.

Borrower Lending Limits

The Bank generally establishes lines of credit for each borrower according to the results of its risk analysis and potential business prospects; however, the Bank is not obligated to lend under these lines of credit. Once a line of credit has been established, credit generally is extended after receipt of an application from the borrower for financing, usually related to foreign trade.financing. Loan pricing is determined in accordance with prevailing market conditions and the borrower’s creditworthiness.

For existing borrowers, the Bank’s management has authority to approve credit lines up to the legal lending limit prescribed by Panamanian law, provided that the credit lines comply fully with the country credit limits and conditions for the borrower’s country of domicile set by the Board. Approved borrower lending limits are reported to the CPER quarterly. Panamanian Law sets forth certain concentration limits, which are applicable and strictly adhered to by the Bank, including a 30% limit as a percentage of capital and reserves for any one borrower and borrower group, in the case of certain financial institutions, and a 25% limit as a percentage of capital and reserves for any one borrower and borrower group, in the case of corporate and sovereign and middle-market companies.entities. As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank’s legal lending limit prescribed by Panamanian law for corporations and sovereign borrowers and middle-market companies amounted to $261$254 million, and for financial institutions and financial groups amounted to $313$305 million. Panamanian law also sets lending limits for related party transactions, which are described in more detail in the section “Regulation–“Supervision and Regulation–Panamanian Law”.Law.” Non-compliance with this legal lending limit could result in the assessment of administrative sanctions by the Superintendency for such violations, taking into consideration the magnitude of the offense and any prior occurrences, and the magnitude of damages and prejudice caused to third parties. As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank was in compliance with regulatory legal lending limits.

See Item 4.B., “Information on the Company—Business Overview—Supervision and Regulation—Panamanian Law.”

Credit Portfolio

The Bank’s Credit Portfolio consists of the Commercial Portfolio and the Investment Securities Portfolio. The Bank’s Commercial Portfolio includesincludes: (i) gross loans excluding interest receivable, allowance for loan losses, unearned interest and deferred fees (the “Loan Portfolio”), (ii) customers’ liabilities under acceptances, and (iii) loan commitments and financial guarantee contracts, such as confirmed and stand-by letters of credit, and guarantees covering commercial risk. The Bank’s Investment Securities Portfolio consists of securities at FVOCI and investment securities at amortized cost.

As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Credit Portfolio amounted to $6,085$6,582 million a decrease from $6,552compared to $6,397 million as of December 31, 2016,2018 and from $7,405$6,085 million as of December 31, 2015.2017. The $467$185 million, or 7%3%, decreaseincrease during 20172019 compared to 2018 was largely attributable to the Bank’s Commercial Portfolio, which decreasedincreased by $445$212 million, or 7%3%, due to (i)improved conditions for credit demand in the Region and an increase in the Bank’s ongoing efforts to mitigate risk and diversify its portfolio in certain countries, industries and client exposures, and (ii) the Bank’s efforts to move to shorter tenor lending, bothbase of which were implemented to improve the Bank’s portfolio credit risk profile during the negative credit cycle experienced in the Latin American Region.financial institutions.

Commercial Portfolio

The Bank’s Commercial Portfolio amounted to $6,502 million as of December 31, 2019, compared to $6,290 million as of December 31, 2018, and $5,999 million as of December 31, 2017, a $4452017. The $212 million, or 7%3%, decrease from $6,444 million asincrease during 2019 reflects the larger proportion of December 31, 2016, and a $1,156 million, or 16%, decrease from $7,155 million as of December 31, 2015. These decreases reflectlonger tenor transactions in the Bank’s ongoing efforts to mitigate riskCommercial Portfolio in recent years and diversify its portfolio mix duringan increase in the past two years as well as the shorter average tenorBank’s client base of the Commercial Portfolio.financial institutions.

As of December 31, 2017, 81%2019, 73% of the Bank’s Commercial Portfolio was scheduled to mature within one year, compared to 77%74% as of December 31, 20162018 and 72%81% as of December 31, 2015.2017, which reflects higher medium term lending origination throughout 2019. As of those same dates, tradetrade-related finance operationstransactions represented 60%40%, 66%45% and 56%60%, respectively, of the Bank’s Commercial Portfolio, while trade-related finance transactions represented 53%, 59% and 74%, respectively, of the remaining balance consisted primarilyBank’s short-term origination, both of lendingwhich reflect the Bank’s increasing focus on, and exposure to, financial institutions and corporations engaged in foreign trade. recent years.

As of December 31, 2017, 49%2019, the Commercial Portfolio’s exposure remained diversified across regions and industry sectors, with 56% of the Bank’stotal Commercial Portfolio was represented byrepresenting the Bank’s traditional client base of financial institutions and 47%44% of the Bank’stotal Commercial Portfolio was represented by corporations, of which 32% and 51% and 67% wasof such percentages were trade-related financing, respectively. In addition, the Commercial Portfolio continued to be well diversified across corporate sectors, with industry concentration levels of 6% of the total Commercial Portfolio or lower as of December 31, 2019, except for the industrial sector as a whole and the total oil and gas exposure. Geographically, exposure to Brazil, which represents the Bank’s largest country-risk exposure, decreased to 16% of the total Commercial Portfolio, down from 19% in 2018, out of which 81% was with financial institutions at the end of 2019, compared to 73% in 2018. Exposure to Argentina was reduced to 3% of the total Commercial Portfolio at the end of 2019, down from 10% in 2018, as a result of several loans to Argentine borrowers maturing and being repaid during 2019. Overall, during 2019 the Bank focused its portfolio origination towards top-tier banks and corporations in lower-risk countries, focusing its growth in top-rated countries in the Region, where it was able to take advantage of positive risk/return opportunities. Consequently, exposures in Colombia and Chile increased to 15% and 11% of the total Commercial Portfolio, which now represent the second and fourth largest country exposures, respectively, up from 11% and 3% the year before. In addition, exposure to other top-rated countries outside of Latin America, which relates to transactions carried out in the Region, was also increased to 7% of the total Commercial Portfolio at the end of the 2019, from 2% the year before. Mexico, which still represents a significant part of the Commercial Portfolio as the third largest exposure, decreased to 12% of the Commercial Portfolio at year-end 2019, compared to 14% at the end of 2018.

The following table sets forth the distribution of the Bank’s Commercial Portfolio, by product category, as of December 31 of each year:

Loan Portfolio

As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank’s Loan Portfolio totaled to $5,506$5,893 million, compared to $6,021$5,778 million as of December 31, 20162018 and $6,692$5,506 million as of December 31, 2015.2017. The $515$115 million, or 9%2%, Loan Portfolio decreaseincrease during 20172019 was largelymainly attributable to higher medium term lending origination throughout 2019, as the Bank’s decisionBank was able to improvedeploy longer tenor transactions with its Loan Portfolio risk profile by reducing unwanted exposurestraditional client base of top quality financial institutions, exporting corporations and “multilatinas”, and continued to certain countries, industries and clients, along with a focus towardperform well on its short-term lending. In addition, high levels of U.S. dollar liquidity experienced in key markets led to nearly $1 billion in pre-payments of loans originally scheduled to mature in or after 2018, significantly offsetting increased levels of credit disbursements throughout the year.origination capacity. As of December 31, 2017, 80%2019, the Loan Portfolio had an average remaining maturity term of 380 days, and 71% of the Bank’s Loan Portfolio was scheduled to mature within one year, compared to 76% and 70%,an average remaining maturity of 323 days, or 73% maturing within one year as of December 31, 20162018, and 2015, respectively.282 days, or 80% maturing within one year as of December 31, 2017.

As of December 31, 2017,2019, the Bank had non-performingBank’s credit-impaired loans of $59totaled $62 million (or 1.07%1.05% of the Loan Portfolio), compared to $65 million (or 1.09%1.12% of the Loan Portfolio) as of December 31, 20162018 and $52$59 million (or 0.78%1.07% of the Loan Portfolio) as of December 31, 2015.

For more detailed information, see Item 5, “Operating2017. Credit-impaired loans decreased in 2019 mainly due to the sale of an exposure which resulted in a $0.5 million collection and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Changesa $2.4 million write-off against existing individually allocated reserves. As of December 31, 2019, $62 million in Financial Position”credit-impaired loans were to a single borrower in the Brazilian sugar sector, accounting for 100% of the Bank’s total impaired loans classified as Stage 3 (under accounting standard IFRS 9), with individually assigned allowance for credit losses of $54 million, representing coverage of 88%. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects—Operating Results—Asset Quality”, “—Allowance for ECL” and Item 18, “Financial Statements,” notes 3.5 and 5.5.The remainder of the Loan Portfolio performed well during 2019, as evidenced by the 6% increase in loans classified as Stage 1 under IFRS 9, with credit conditions unchanged since origination. Moreover, loans classified as Stage 2 under IFRS 9, which represent loans with exposures whose credit conditions have deteriorated since origination, decreased by 34% in 2019.

Loan Portfolio by Country Risk

The following table sets forth the distribution of the Bank’s Loan Portfolio by country risk at the dates indicated: