PANAMA CITY, December 9, 2025 (PBI) – In a major realignment of the Central American financial landscape, Grupo Cibest has reached a definitive agreement to sell 100% of the shares of Banistmo, a leading general license bank in Panama, to Inversiones Cuscatlán Centroamérica S.A.

The transaction includes the full transfer of Banistmo and all its subsidiaries, notably Leasing Banistmo and Banistmo Investment Corporation S.A. The deal is subject to customary regulatory approvals from Panamanian authorities and is expected to close in the coming months.

Strategic Portfolio Optimization

For Grupo Cibest, the divestment marks a shift toward a more streamlined regional strategy focused on “sustainable growth and corporate evolution.” Despite the sale of its retail and commercial banking arm in Panama, the group emphasized that it is not exiting the country.

Grupo Cibest will maintain its presence in the Panamanian market through Bancolombia Panamá, which operates under an offshore license, and Cibest Capital, its regional investment and capital markets platform.

“This operation is a reflection of our long-term vision to create value and optimize our business portfolio,” said Juan Carlos Mora, CEO of Grupo Cibest. “We are convinced that Cuscatlán’s regional expertise will add significant capabilities and generate value for Banistmo’s clients.”

Cuscatlán’s Regional Expansion

The acquisition significantly bolsters the footprint of Inversiones Cuscatlán, which has been aggressively expanding its reach across El Salvador, Honduras, Guatemala, and Colombia. The group’s portfolio already includes Banco Cuscatlán, the mortgage specialist La Hipotecaria, and the insurer SISA.

Federico Nasser Facussé, President of Inversiones Cuscatlán Centroamérica, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to the Panamanian market. “We believe in Central America and, specifically, in Panama and Banistmo—an institution deeply linked to the country’s identity and development,” Nasser said. “We are committed to further strengthening its brand, products, and services.”

Operational Continuity

Both parties emphasized that the transition has been designed to ensure “business as usual” for the bank’s customers and staff.

• Clients: No interruption in banking services is expected during the regulatory approval phase.
• Employees: Banistmo’s current teams will be integrated into the Inversiones Cuscatlán structure.
• Management: Grupo Cibest will continue to manage Banistmo’s operations until the transaction is legally perfected.

The sale of Banistmo, one of the most recognizable names in Panamanian banking, signals a period of consolidation in the regional financial sector as large holdings seek to concentrate resources in specific market segments.