Mexico’s financial sector is reliable due to its solid structure

Angel Cabrera, president of the National Banking and Securities Commission, noted that the banking sector has recently maintained capitalization levels above the regulatory minimum, along with robust liquidity ratios and a non-performing loan ratio of around 2 percent—all within a context marked by recent episodes of tension in Mexico’s financial sector.

During an interview at the 89th Banking Convention, the official noted that these indicators are what have allowed confidence among users to be maintained, despite events such as the collapse of a popular finance company (Sofipo) and international criticism directed at certain financial institutions in recent years.

“Confidence in the financial system stems from its strength,” he stated, also emphasizing that commercial banks have demonstrated resilience even in adverse scenarios.

However, Cabrera explained that the CNBV’s role is not limited to regulation but also encompasses supervision and the proper functioning of the financial system, with the aim of ensuring stability and preventing risks.
The official argued that the imposition of sanctions and intervention by authorities do not weaken confidence but rather reinforce it by demonstrating that there is effective oversight of financial institutions.

A large portion of the population has basic financial products, such as payroll or retirement savings accounts, but lacks access to credit, investment, or insurance. Added to this is the high use of cash, which limits the development of the financial system and the traceability of transactions. In light of this, he noted that the CNBV is promoting measures to encourage digitization and the use of electronic payment methods as a strategy for the system’s development.

Finally, he recommended that users verify that the institutions with which they do business are registered in the CNBV’s registry of supervised entities, as a measure to prevent fraud.