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T R O U B L E D C O M P A N Y R E P O R T E R
L A T I N A M E R I C A
Friday, July 11, 2025, Vol. 26, No. 138
Headlines
A N T I G U A A N D B A R B U D A
LIAT: To Begin Flights Between Montego Bay and Kingston on July 11
B E R M U D A
BERMUDA: Inflation to February Moderates at 1.9%
B R A Z I L
YINSON BERGENIA: Fitch Rates $1.16 Billion Secured Notes 'BB+'
C H I L E
ENJOY SA: S&P Withdraws 'D' Issuer Credit Rating
J A M A I C A
JAMAICA: DBJ Secures EUR400,000 Grant to Support MSMEs
JAMAICA: Economy Expands 1.1% in Q1
P A N A M A
[] Fitch Takes Action on Panamanian RMBS Deals
P A R A G U A Y
PARAGUAY: IDB OKs $75MM Loan to Improve Rural Access to Services
P U E R T O R I C O
ANCHOR FUNDING: Seeks to Hire Alexis Fuentes-Hernandez as Counsel
CONCORDE METRO: Seeks to Hire Christiansen Commercial as Realtor
PUERTO RICO: Bond Suit Doesn't Belong In Conn., Insurers Say
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A N T I G U A A N D B A R B U D A
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LIAT: To Begin Flights Between Montego Bay and Kingston on July 11
------------------------------------------------------------------
RJR News reports that domestic flights between Montego and Kingston
are set to return after a five-year break.
LIAT Airlines will launch a new intra-island service, July 11,
operating three times a week from Sangter International Airport,
according to RJR News.
The announcement was made by Shane Monroe, CEO of MBJ Airports
during the airport forum in Montego Bay, the report relays.
He said the flights will connect Montego Bay, Kingston and Antigua
and are part of efforts to boost regional connectivity, the report
discloses.
The new service is expected to be a game-changer, cutting travel
time between Montego Bay and Kingston from over two hours by car to
just 25 minutes by air, the report says.
It's also expected to support growth in tourism, logistics and
commerce across the island and the wider Caribbean, the report
adds.
About LIAT
LIAT Ltd., formerly known as Leeward Islands Air Transport or LIAT,
is an airline headquartered on the grounds of V. C. Bird
International Airport in Antigua. It operates high-frequency
inter-island scheduled services serving 15 destinations in the
Caribbean. The airline's main base is VC Bird International
Airport, Antigua and Barbuda, with bases at Grantley Adams
International Airport, Barbados and Piarco International Airport,
Trinidad and Tobago.
The airline is owned by seven Caribbean governments, with three
being the major shareholders: Barbados, Antigua & Barbuda and St.
Vincent and the Grenadines along with Dominica(94.7 %); other
Caribbean governments, private shareholders and employees (5.3%).
In the last few years, LIAT has been challenged with financial
difficulties, often needing additional funding as the airline dealt
with the high cost of operations. In November 2016, the Barbados
government defended LIAT's operations, even as opposition
legislators called for a cessation of the business. In early 2015,
LIAT offered early retirement packages to employees in efforts to
downsize. In 2014, LIAT knew it had to deal with unprofitable
routes to make operations viable. In the third quarter of 2013,
the airline's top management was shaken, with news Chief Executive
Officer Captain Ian Brunton's sudden resignation.
LIAT's current chief executive officer is Julie Reifer-Jones,
chairman is Jean Holder, and chief financial officer is Rojer
Inglis.
Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, prime minister of St. Vincent & the
Grenadines, serves as chairman of LIAT shareholders.
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B E R M U D A
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BERMUDA: Inflation to February Moderates at 1.9%
------------------------------------------------
David Fox at Royal Gazette reports that year-over-year inflation
rose just under 2 per cent in February, the Government reported.
Consumers paid 1.9 per cent more than they did a year earlier for
the basket of goods and services included in the consumer price
index, according to Royal Gazette. This was a 0.1 percentage point
increase from the January 2025 annual inflation rate of 1.8 per
cent, the report notes.
The period used as a reference point for measuring the price change
of goods and services, the base period for the Bermuda CPI, is
April 2015, the report recalls.
Housing carries the most weight, 26.71 per cent, in terms of impact
of the nine sectors on the index calculation, followed by
Education, Recreation, Entertainment and Reading at 14.68 per cent,
the report notes. Transport and Foreign Travel is 13.01 per cent,
Health and Personal Care 12.97 per cent, Household Goods, Services
and Supplies 11.59 per cent, Food 11.53 per cent, Fuel and Power
3.91 per cent, Tobacco and Liquor 3.11 per cent and Clothing and
Footwear 2.50 per cent, the report relays.
Government figures show that in the twelve months to February 2025
the following divisions had significant impacts on the annual
percentage change: rent up 2.3 per cent; Education, Recreation,
Entertainment and Reading was up 1.6 per cent; Transport and
Foreign Travel was 1.5 per cent higher, Health and Personal Care
was up 3.1 per cent and Food was up 1.9 per cent, the report
notes.
Over the past decade, the annual rate of inflation exhibited
significant variability, reaching a ten-year low of -1.4 per cent
in July 2020 and peaking at 5.1 per cent in September 2022, the
report says.
The annual average percentage change for the period 2015 to 2024
shows an overall upward trend in average price levels, with the
highest annual average increase recorded in 2022 at 4 per cent, the
report discloses.
Since then, the annual average rate of increase has slowed, falling
to 3.3 per cent in 2023 and to 1.9 per cent in 2024, the report
notes. This indicates a continued moderation in the average rate
of price growth following the post-pandemic peak, the report
relays.
During the last ten years, the year-over-year percentage change in
food prices exhibited the most prominent fluctuation between 2022
and 2024, reaching a high of 10.6 per cent in September 2022, the
report says.
The annual average percentage change for the period 2015 to 2024
shows a positive growth trend in the price change of food, peaking
in 2022 at an average 7.9 per cent, the report notes. Since then,
the rate of increase has slowed, with a 6.5 per cent rise in 2023
and a further moderation to 3.6 per cent in 2024, the report adds.
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B R A Z I L
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YINSON BERGENIA: Fitch Rates $1.16 Billion Secured Notes 'BB+'
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Fitch Ratings has assigned a final rating of 'BB+' to the $1.168
billion senior secured notes issued by Yinson Bergenia Production
B.V. The Rating Outlook is Stable.
Entity/Debt Rating Prior
----------- ------ -----
Yinson Bergenia
Production B.V.
Yinson Bergenia
Production B.V.
Senior Secured
Notes 98585VAA6 LT BB+ New Rating BB+(EXP)
Transaction Summary
Proceeds of this transaction are to be used to refinance the
original funding of the floating-production storage and offloading
(FPSO) unit, FPSO Maria Quitéria, in addition to funding the
transaction reserve accounts, paying any transaction related costs,
and completing distributions. The FPSO Maria Quitéria operates in
the Jubarte Field in the pre-salt layer of the Campos Basin. The
transaction is backed by a first-priority mortgage on the vessel
and cash flows from the underlying charter agreement between Yinson
Bergenia Production B.V. (SPV), as owner and issuer, and Petróleo
Brasileiro S.A. (Petrobras, BB/Stable) as offtaker. The agreement
is in place until April 2047.
In addition, Fitch expects that, within 60 days of repayment of the
original debt, the issuer will release the liens on the collateral
securing the existing obligations and perfect the collateral of
this transaction's notes. This timeline can be further extended by
an additional 60 days if the issuer injects equity into the
transaction sufficient to pay all accrued and unpaid interest on
the notes, any revolving loans, and additional senior secured debt,
if any.
The financial structure considers a fully amortizing transaction.
Fitch's rating addresses the timely payment of interest and timely
payment of principal on a semiannual basis until legal final
maturity in January 2045.
KEY RATING DRIVERS
Offtaker Obligation Strength Exceeds Petrobras' Issuer Default
Rating (IDR): The offtaking party in the charter agreement is
Petrobras, the state-owned oil company of Brazil. Fitch rates
Petrobras in line with the Brazilian sovereign (BB/Stable). The
charter contract between the operator and an offtaker of an FPSO is
considered a strategic long-term contract to produce hydrocarbons
in a specific area, as FPSOs are built to suit. The long-term
nature of the contract (22.5 years), the relatively low operational
costs compared to the cash flow generation, and the complexity of
the vessel make the contract and use of the vessel highly strategic
to Petrobras.
Even under distressed environments, these contracts and obligations
are expected to be honored and can be differentiated from other
corporate debt obligations. The charter contract may be considered
an operational/net revenue cost to Petrobras to continue business
operations and produces low break-even cash flow generation. For
these reasons, Fitch determines the strength of the offtaker's
payment obligation to be one-notch above Petrobras' credit quality
at 'BB+'.
Sovereign Event Risk; Transfer and Convertibility (T&C) Mitigated:
The transaction's reserve account of six months of debt service and
offshore payment obligations offer sufficient protection to
mitigate potential transfer and convertibility (T&C) restrictions
and exceed Brazil's Country Ceiling of 'BB+' by one notch.
However, event risk is linked to the operating environment with
Petrobras as a state-owned enterprise, potentially subject to
political interference, which limits the uplift over Brazil's
sovereign rating (BB/Stable) to two notches and, therefore, 'BBB-'.
The transaction's limiting factor is Fitch's assessment of the
strength of the offtaker's payment obligation, which is currently
assessed at 'BB+'.
Experienced Operator Mitigates Risk: The operator, Yinson Bergenia
Serviços de Operação Ltda, is sponsored by Yinson Production, a
global player in building and managing FPSOs and operates in
Brazil, Ghana, Vietnam, Nigeria, and Malaysia. Yinson Production
entered the Brazilian market five years ago and has three vessels
under operation in the country. A Yinson Production bankruptcy
could expose the transaction to a potential termination of the
underlying charter and services agreements. Fitch assesses Yinson
Production's credit quality to be near investment grade and, as a
result, Yinson Production does not limit the rating.
Strong Financial Metrics: Fitch's cash flow analysis has assessed
the repayment of the fully amortizing debt, assuming timely
interest and principal payments under a nondeferrable sculpted
amortization schedule and a cash trapping condition should the debt
service coverage ratio (DSCR) fall below 1.15x. Fitch's base case
expects the DSCR to be between 1.26x and 1.31x, which is in line
with investment-grade metrics and does not constrain the
transaction rating. At the 'BB' stress case, the DSCR drops to
1.18x-1.24x, which remains sufficient to support the rating.
RATING SENSITIVITIES
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Negative
Rating Action/Downgrade
As described in the Key Rating Drivers, the rating of the
transaction is linked to Petrobras' Long-Term IDR, with an uplift
of one notch. Therefore, a Petrobras downgrade could trigger a
downgrade of the notes. Both ratings have Stable Outlooks.
The other counterparty that could constrain the rating is the
operator, whose credit quality is assessed to be near investment
grade and, as a result, does not limit the rating but could pose a
constraint should the credit quality deteriorate.
Finally, the cash flow analysis results in a sufficient output,
consistent with ratings in the 'BBB' category and does not pose a
constraint to the transaction's rating. Although the DSCR and
ultimate debt repayment depend on uptime, maintenance days, opex
and inflation, none of these variables is expected to materially
affect the rating under Fitch's stress case.
Any changes in these variables will be analyzed in a rating
committee to assess the possible impact on the transaction
ratings.
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Positive
Rating Action/Upgrade
The rating is influenced by transaction counterparties, the
operating environment and credit metrics. An upgrade of Brazil
(which would likely also result in an upgrade of Petrobras) or an
upgrade of the operator may result in an upgrade. However, as the
rating has a Stable Outlook, such a scenario is not anticipated.
USE OF THIRD PARTY DUE DILIGENCE PURSUANT TO SEC RULE 17G -10
Form ABS Due Diligence-15E was not provided to, or reviewed by,
Fitch in relation to this rating action.
PUBLIC RATINGS WITH CREDIT LINKAGE TO OTHER RATINGS
The rating is linked to the credit quality of the operator and
offtaker, this is outlined in the key rating drivers for the
transaction.
ESG Considerations
The highest level of ESG credit relevance is a score of '3', unless
otherwise disclosed in this section. A score of '3' means ESG
issues are credit-neutral or have only a minimal credit impact on
the entity, either due to their nature or the way in which they are
being managed by the entity. Fitch's ESG Relevance Scores are not
inputs in the rating process; they are an observation on the
relevance and materiality of ESG factors in the rating decision.
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C H I L E
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ENJOY SA: S&P Withdraws 'D' Issuer Credit Rating
------------------------------------------------
S&P Global Ratings withdrew its 'D' issuer credit rating and 'D'
issue-level rating on Enjoy S.A. because of a lack of sufficient
and timely information to maintain the rating, particularly
regarding a new capital structure and business plan after the
recent company reorganization.
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J A M A I C A
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JAMAICA: DBJ Secures EUR400,000 Grant to Support MSMEs
------------------------------------------------------
RJR News reports that the Development Bank of Jamaica has secured a
EUR400,000 grant from the Agence Française de Développement (AFD)
to support Jamaican micro, small and medium-sized enterprises
(MSMEs).
The grant will fund a technical assistance program aimed at
strengthening DBJ's operations and improving access to financing
for MSMEs, particularly in sectors like agriculture, renewable
energy, education and healthcare, according to RJR News.
It complements a US$5 million credit facility signed earlier this
year to support climate and social investments, the report notes.
DBJ Managing Director Dr. David Lowe says the initiative will help
Jamaican MSMEs become key drivers of sustainable growth, the report
notes.
AFD's regional director, Marc Duburnet, added that the support will
also empower female entrepreneurs and boost job creation, the
report discloses.
MSMEs account for more than 60% of Jamaica's employment, making
their resilience vital to economic progress, the report relays.
DBJ says it provided capital to 8,792 micro, small and medium sized
enterprises during the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the report says.
The bank also says 80% of this money was disbursed through approved
financial institutions, such as commercial banks and microfinance
institutions, while it disbursed the remaining 20%, the report
adds.
About Jamaica
Jamaica is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica
is an upper-middle income country with an economy heavily dependent
on tourism. Other major sectors of the Jamaican economy include
agriculture, mining, manufacturing, petroleum refining, financial
and insurance services.
On Feb. 21, 2025, Fitch Ratings affirmed Jamaica's Long-Term
Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB-', with a
positive rating outlook. In October 2023, Moody's upgraded the
Government of Jamaica's long-term issuer and senior unsecured
ratings to B1 from B2, and senior unsecured shelf rating to (P)B1
from (P)B2. The outlook has been changed to positive from stable.
In September 2024, S&P affirmed 'BB-/B' longterm foreign and local
currency sovereign credit ratings on Jamaica and revised outlook to
positive.
JAMAICA: Economy Expands 1.1% in Q1
-----------------------------------
Jamaica Observer reports that Jamaica's economy expanded by 1.1 per
cent in the first quarter of 2025 from a year earlier, the
Statistical Institute of Jamaica (Statin) said, as the country
implemented sweeping changes to its national accounting framework
in line with international standards.
The growth figure, which revises upward the Planning Institute of
Jamaica's (PIOJ) earlier estimate of 0.8 per cent, comes as Jamaica
adopts the United Nations' 2008 System of National Accounts (SNA
2008) and the Jamaica Industrial Classification 2016 (JIC 2016),
according to Jamaica Observer. The overhaul rebases constant-price
GDP calculations to 2015 from 2007 and incorporates updated data
sources, including the 2017 Household Expenditure Survey, to better
capture household spending and informal sector activity, the report
notes.
Statin said the methodological updates resulted in an average
increase of 7.8 per cent in historical GDP levels between 2015 and
2023, the report relays. The changes are intended to provide a
more accurate reflection of Jamaica's economic structure and
improve the comparability of its data with over 100 countries now
using the SNA 2008 framework, the report says.
"Our revised accounts provide a clearer lens on Jamaica's economic
structure, ensuring alignment with global standards for
evidence-based policymaking," said Statin Acting Director General
Leesha Delatie-Budair, the report notes.
Sectoral Performance
The January-March quarter saw a 2 per cent rise in goods-producing
industries and a 0.8 per cent increase in services, Statin said,
the report discloses. Within goods, agriculture, forestry and
fishing led with 3.1 per cent growth, followed by manufacturing at
1.7 per cent, construction at 1.4 per cent, and mining and
quarrying at 0.7 per cent, the report says.
In services, the information and communication sector posted the
strongest performance, up 6.4 per cent, reflecting the
reclassification of publishing and media activities into the sector
under the new JIC 2016 system, the report relays. Transportation
and storage grew by 1.9 per cent, while accommodation and food
service activities, and financial and insurance activities each
rose by 1.2 per cent, the report notes. Electricity, water supply
and waste management increased by 1.1 per cent, and other services
by 1 per cent, the report relays. Real estate and business
services and wholesale and retail trade were the only sectors to
decline, down 0.4 per cent and 0.8 per cent, respectively, the
report says.
Reclassification and Methodological Changes
The adoption of JIC 2016 brings Jamaica's industry classification
in line with international standards, the report notes. Publishing
is now included in information and communication rather than
manufacturing, utilities now cover waste management, and real
estate and business services have expanded to include travel
agencies and veterinary clinics, the report discloses. Statin also
refined its approach to calculating financial intermediation
services indirectly measured (FISIM), in accordance with SNA 2008
recommendations, the report says.
The International Monetary Fund has validated Jamaica's transition,
noting improved cross-country comparability, the report relays.
Statin said a full National Income and Product Report for 2023 will
be published by July 31, 2025, the report notes.
Jamaica's first-quarter growth follows a contraction of 0.4 per
cent in 2024, when the economy was hit by Hurricane Beryl and
softer US demand, the report relates. The Government expects
modest but positive growth in 2025, supported by domestic demand
and the statistical boost from the new accounting standards, though
external risks remain, the report says.
Statin said it will continue to refine data sources and estimation
techniques as part of ongoing efforts to improve the quality and
relevance of Jamaica's economic statistics, the report adds.
About Jamaica
Jamaica is an island country situated in the Caribbean Sea. Jamaica
is an upper-middle income country with an economy heavily dependent
on tourism. Other major sectors of the Jamaican economy include
agriculture, mining, manufacturing, petroleum refining, financial
and insurance services.
On Feb. 21, 2025, Fitch Ratings affirmed Jamaica's Long-Term
Foreign-Currency Issuer Default Rating (IDR) at 'BB-', with a
positive rating outlook. In October 2023, Moody's upgraded the
Government of Jamaica's long-term issuer and senior unsecured
ratings to B1 from B2, and senior unsecured shelf rating to (P)B1
from (P)B2. The outlook has been changed to positive from stable.
In September 2024, S&P affirmed 'BB-/B' longterm foreign and local
currency sovereign credit ratings on Jamaica and revised outlook to
positive.
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P A N A M A
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[] Fitch Takes Action on Panamanian RMBS Deals
----------------------------------------------
Fitch Ratings has affirmed the notes issued by La Hipotecaria
Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2014-1, La Hipotecaria Mortgage Trust
2019-1, La Hipotecaria Mortgage Trust 2019-2, La Hipotecaria
Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2021-1. Fitch has also affirmed the notes
from Twelfth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust (Trust 12) and Sixteenth
Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust (Trust 16). Fitch has additionally
affirmed the series A notes from Fourteenth Mortgage-Backed Notes
Trust (Trust 14) at 'BB+sf'. Fitch has upgraded the series B and C
to 'BB+sf' and 'Bsf', respectively, from 'BBsf' and 'CCCsf' and
assigned Outlook Stable for both classes.
The Rating Outlook is Stable for all ratings, except series B and C
notes from Trust 16, which do not carry an Outlook.
Entity/Debt Rating Prior
----------- ------ -----
La Hipotecaria
Mortgage Trust 2019-2
Series 2019-2
Certificates US50346XAA37 LT BB+sf Affirmed BB+sf
La Hipotecaria Panamanian
Mortgage Trust 2021-1
Series 2021-1 Certificates LT BB+sf Affirmed BB+sf
Fourteenth Mortgage-Backed
Notes Trust
A LT BB+sf Affirmed BB+sf
B LT BB+sf Upgrade BBsf
C LT Bsf Upgrade CCCsf
Sixteenth Mortgage-Backed
Notes Trust
A US50347JAA34 LT BB+sf Affirmed BB+sf
B LT CCCsf Affirmed CCCsf
C LT CCsf Affirmed CCsf
La Hipotecaria Mortgage
Trust 2019-1
Series 2019-1 Certificates
Class AAA 50346WAA5 LT AA+sf Affirmed AA+sf
La Hipotecaria Panamanian
Mortgage Trust 2014-1
Class A-1 50346EAA5 LT AA+sf Affirmed AA+sf
Class A-2 50346EAB3 LT BB+sf Affirmed BB+sf
Twelfth Mortgage-Backed
Notes Trust
Series A PAL3006961A4 LT BB+sf Affirmed BB+sf
KEY RATING DRIVERS
RMBS Transactions
Trust 12, Trust 14, Trust 16
Higher Stresses Applied Due to Macroeconomic Adjustments: Fitch
expects Panama's real GDP growth to reach 4.0% in 2025, and to have
unemployment rate decreasing to 8.0%, from 8.9% observed YE 2024.
Fitch continues to apply higher stress scenarios as described in
"Fitch Ratings Revises Macroeconomic Adjustment for La Hipotecaria
RMBS in Panama", considering the underperformance of loans since
pandemic and challenging macroeconomic environment. In the
additional stress scenario analysis, the 'Bsf' representative pool
weighted average foreclosure frequency (WAFF) for BLH in Panama
increased to 9.68% from 8.22% in the current assumption. As
adjustments were maintained at 1.0x at 'A-sf', given that Fitch not
envisage changes to the SF Rating Cap (A-sf), rating multiples were
compressed.
Operational Risk Mitigated (Latin America RMBS Rating Criteria):
Grupo ASSA, S.A. (BBB-/Stable, primary servicer) has hired Banco La
Hipotecaria, S.A. (the sub-servicer) to be the servicer for the
mortgages. Fitch has reviewed Banco La Hipotecaria's systems and
procedures and is satisfied with its servicing capabilities. Fitch
does not expect additional impact from the sale of Grupo ASSA's
stake to Inversiones Cuscatlan Centroamerica, S.A. Additionally,
Banco General S.A. ('BBB-'/Stable) has been designated as back-up
servicer in order to mitigate the exposure to operational risk, and
will replace the defaulting servicer within five days of a servicer
disruption event.
Country of Assets Determine Maximum Achievable Ratings: Panama's
IDR is rated 'BB+'/Stable. The series A from Trust 12, Trust 14 and
Trust 16 are capped at the sovereign IDR, due to the high exposure
to public servants, subsidies (for the Trust 12 and Trust 16) and
to liquidity for these series, through Letter of Credit provided by
Banco General (BBB-/Stable). However, this entity as of today does
not constrain the rating.
Twelfth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust
Asset Assumptions Similar to Last Review: Based on May 2025, under
a 'BB+sf' scenario, the A note would need to support a WAFF of
22.1% and a weighted average recovery rate (WARR) of 95.0%,
compared to a WAFF of 21.9% and a WARR of 93.8% from last annual
review, in August 2024. These assumptions consider the main
characteristics of the assets, where OLTV is 91.4%, the seasoning
average 165 months and remaining term 205 months, WA current
loan-to-value is 57.0% and the majority of performing borrowers
(60.4%) pay through payroll deduction mechanism. The assumptions
also consider a Performance Adjustment Factor of 0.7x considering
the historical performance of the portfolio and Macroeconomic
Adjustments.
Robust Credit Enhancement Supports Assigned Rating: Credit
enhancement (CE) has increased following the sequential nature of
the transaction and good asset performance. As of May 2025, CE has
increased to 30.1% from 28.9% observed in June 2024 for series A.
The transaction also benefits from a reserve account of 1% of the
outstanding balance of the series A notes in the form of a letter
of credit, which is sufficient to cover almost three months of
senior expenses and interest payment on the Series A notes.
Fourteenth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust
Asset Assumptions Similar to Last Review: Based on May 2025, under
a 'BB+sf' scenario, the A and B notes would need to support a WAFF
of 20.9% and a WARR of 83.0%, compared to a WAFF 20.7% and a WARR
of 82.7% from last annual review, in August 2024. In a 'Bsf'
scenario, the Series C notes would need to support a WAFF of 11.7%
and a WARR of 91.2%, compared to a WAFF of 11.8% and a WARR of
91.2% from its last annual review, at the same rating level.
These assumptions consider the main characteristics of the assets,
where OLTV is 84.1%, the seasoning average 153 months and remaining
term 207 months, WA current loan-to-value is 62.0% and the majority
of performing borrowers (62.0%) pay through payroll deduction
mechanism. The assumptions also consider a Performance Adjustment
Factor of 0.7x considering the historical performance of the
portfolio and Macroeconomic Adjustments.
Transaction Performance Supports Upgrades: CE has increased during
the last year due to the sequential nature of the structure. As of
May 2025, CE has increased to approximately 15.2% up from 13.4%
observed in June 2024 for the Series A notes, to 5.4% from 4.3% for
the Series B notes, and for series C it increased to 2.2% from
1.3%. The series A notes benefits from a reserve account equivalent
to 3x its next interest payment in the form of a letter of credit.
Due to increasing CE and good asset performance, the series B and C
notes have been upgraded to 'BB+sf' and 'Bsf', respectively.
Sixteenth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust
Asset Assumptions Similar to Last Review: Based on May 2025, under
a 'BB+sf' scenario, the A note would need to support a WAFF of
20.9% and a WARR of 61.6%, compared to a WAFF of 19.2% and a WARR
of 60.2% from last annual review, in August 2024. For the base case
scenario, the WAFF was updated to 10.2% from 9.2% and the WARR
77.0% from 76.1%. These assumptions consider the main
characteristics of the assets, where OLTV is 90.0%, the seasoning
average 92 months and remaining term 269 months, WA current
loan-to-value is 70.2% and the majority of performing borrowers
(76.6%) pay through payroll deduction mechanism.
Fiscal Credit Delays Impacting CE: CE has decreased again since
last review due to the lack of receipt of fiscal credits since May
2024, which causes a temporary negative carry. Series A CE
decreased to 6.8% from 10.1%, while for series B decreased to -4.5%
from -0.7% and for the series C, -7.3% from -3.4%. Despite these
decreases, current CE levels remain in line with assigned ratings.
Fitch expects CE levels to recover to higher percentages,
consistent with those seen in the previous review. The Series A
notes are supported by an interest reserve account equal to three
times their upcoming interest payment, as well as excess spread.
They also benefit from a sequential pay structure, wherein target
amortization payments for Series A rank senior to both interest and
principal payments on the Series B and C notes.
CLN Transactions
La Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2014-1 A-1, La Hipotecaria
Trust 2019-1
DFC's Credit Quality Supports Rating: The rating assigned to the La
Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2010-1, La Hipotecaria
Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2014-1 A-1, and La Hipotecaria Trust
2019-1 certificates is commensurate with the credit quality of the
guarantee provider. The credit quality of U.S. International
Development Finance Corporation (DFC) is directly linked to the
U.S. sovereign rating (AA+/F1+/Stable), as guarantees issued by,
and obligations of, DFC are backed by the full faith and credit of
the U.S. government, pursuant to the Foreign Assistance Act of
1969. The ULT rating assigned to the 2010-1 certificates is
commensurate with the credit quality of the series A notes of the
Tenth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust.
Reliance on DFC Guaranty: Fitch assumes the payment on the La
Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2014-1 A-1, and La
Hipotecaria Trust 2019-1 certificates will rely on the DFC
guaranty. Through this guaranty, DFC will unconditionally and
irrevocably guarantee the receipt of proceeds from the underlying
notes in an amount sufficient to cover timely scheduled monthly
interest amounts and the ultimate principal amount on the
certificates.
Ample Liquidity: The La Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage Trust
2014-1 A-1 and La Hipotecaria Trust 2019-1 certificates benefit
from liquidity, in the form of a five-day buffer between payment
dates on the underlying notes and payment dates on the
certificates. Additionally, the certificates benefit from liquidity
in the form of an interest reserve account or a letter of credit at
the underlying note level. Fitch considers this sufficient to keep
debt service current on the guaranteed certificates until funds
under a claim of DFC are received.
La Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2014-1 A-2 Certificates,
La Hipotecaria Trust 2019-2, La Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage
Trust 2021-1
Credit Quality of the Underlying Notes Support Ratings: The 2014-1
A-2, 2019-2 and 2021-1 certificates are a repackaging of the Trust
12, Trust 14 and Trust 16 Series A notes, respectively, therefore
the rating assigned to the certificates is commensurate with the
credit rating of the series A notes of each transaction, which
carry a rating of 'BB+sf'/Outlook Stable. The interest received
from the underlying notes is expected to be sufficient to cover the
expenses and coupon payments due for the certificates.
RATING SENSITIVITIES
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Negative
Rating Action/Downgrade
The ratings of the A notes from Trust 12, Trust 14 and Trust 16 and
series B notes from Trust 14 are sensitive to changes in the credit
quality of Panama.
A downgrade of Panama's ratings could lead to a downgrade on the
notes. In addition, the ratings of the A Notes from Trust 12 and
Trust 14 could be sensitive to changes in the credit quality of
Banco General as the Letter of Credit provider. Finally, severe
increases in foreclosure frequency as well as reductions in
recovery rates could lead to a downgrade of the notes.
The series B of Fourteenth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust can be
downgraded in one notch if there is a reduction in recovery rate of
30%. The series C could be downgraded if this reduction is combined
with an increase in foreclosure frequency in 30%.
The series A and B of Trust 16 can also be downgraded if CE
deteriorate to a level that is not able to be considered sufficient
to converge to current level stresses. Particularly, series A of
Trust 16 could have a notch downgrade if WAFF is increased in 15%,
or WARR is decreased in 15%. An increase in 30% in WAFF, combined
with a decrease of 30% in WARR could cause a downgrade of three
notches, while a decrease of 30% in WARR only, or a combination of
an increase in 15% in WAFF and a decrease in 15% in WARR could lead
to a downgrade of two notches.
For series C of Sixteenth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust, rating can
be downgraded if the C notes is irrevocably impaired such that it
is not expected to pay interest and/or principal in full in
accordance with the terms of the obligation's documentation during
the life of the transaction. This assessment would be consistent to
a C category.
DFC Guaranteed Notes: In the case of La Hipotecaria Panamanian
Mortgage Trust 2014-1-A-1 Tranche and the La Hipotecaria Mortgage
Trust 2019-1 notes, the rating assigned could be downgraded in the
case of a downgrade on the U.S. sovereign rating.
The La Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2014-1 A-2
certificates' ratings are sensitive to changes in the credit
quality of the Twelfth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust Series A notes.
If Twelfth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust Series A notes are
downgraded, that could lead to a downgrade of the certificates.
The La Hipotecaria Mortgage Trust 2019-2 certificates' ratings are
sensitive to changes in the credit quality of the Fourteenth
Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust Series A notes. If Fourteenth
Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust Series A notes are downgraded, that
could lead to a downgrade on the certificates.
The La Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2021-1 certificates'
ratings are sensitive to changes in the credit quality of the La
Hipotecaria Sixteenth Mortgage Backed Notes Trust series A notes.
If Sixteenth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust Series A notes are
upgraded, that could lead to an upgrade of the certificates.
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Positive
Rating Action/Upgrade
The ratings of the Series A Notes from Trust 12, Trust 14 and Trust
16 as well as Series B Notes from Trust 14 are sensitive to changes
in the credit quality of Panama. For Trust 12, an upgrade of
Panama's ratings could lead to an upgrade on the series A notes,
while for series A notes from Trust 14 and 16, if CE becomes
consistent to a higher rating level.
The ratings of Trust 14 Series C Notes and Trust 16 Series B and C
Notes could be upgraded in case of a future improvement of CE.
DFC Guaranteed: In the case of La Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage
Trust 2014-1-A-1 Tranche and the La Hipotecaria Mortgage Trust
2019-1 notes, the ratings could be downgraded in the case of an
upgrade on the U.S. sovereign rating.
The La Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2014-1 A-2
certificates' ratings are sensitive to changes in the credit
quality of the Twelfth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust Series A notes.
If Twelfth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust Series A Notes are upgraded,
that could lead to an upgrade of the certificates.
The Hipotecaria Mortgage Trust 2019-2 certificates' ratings are
sensitive to changes in the credit quality of the Trust 14 series A
notes. If this series is upgraded, that could lead to an upgrade on
the certificates.
The La Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2021-1 certificates'
ratings are sensitive to changes in the credit quality of the Trust
16 Series A notes. If this series is upgraded, that could lead to
an upgrade of the certificates.
USE OF THIRD PARTY DUE DILIGENCE PURSUANT TO SEC RULE 17G -10
Form ABS Due Diligence-15E was not provided to, or reviewed by,
Fitch in relation to this rating action.
PUBLIC RATINGS WITH CREDIT LINKAGE TO OTHER RATINGS
- The rating of the A-1 certificates issued by La Hipotecaria
Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2014-1 is directly linked to the credit
quality of the DFC and the rating of the A-2 certificates issued by
La Hipotecaria Panamanian Mortgage Trust 2014-1 is directly linked
to the rating of the Series A Notes issued by Trust 12.
- The rating of the 2019-1 certificates issued by La Hipotecaria
Trust 2019-1 is directly linked to the credit quality of the DFC.
- The rating of the 2019-2 certificates issued by La Hipotecaria
Trust 2019-2 is directly linked to the rating of the Series A Notes
issued by Trust 14.
- The rating of the 2021-1 certificates issued by La Hipotecaria
Trust 2021-1 is directly linked to the rating of the Series A Notes
issued by Trust 16.
- The ratings of the A Notes from Trust 12, 14, 16 are capped by
Panama's credit quality.
ESG Considerations
The Twelfth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust has a Human Rights,
Community Relations, Access & Affordability score of '4' [+] for
its exposure to accessibility to affordable housing, which in
combination with other factors, impacts the rating.
The Fourteenth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust has a Human Rights,
Community Relations, Access & Affordability score of '4' [+] for
its exposure to accessibility to affordable housing, which in
combination with other factors, impacts the rating.
The Sixteenth Mortgage-Backed Notes Trust has a Human Rights,
Community Relations, Access & Affordability score of '4' [+] for
its exposure to accessibility to affordable housing, which in
combination with other factors, impacts the rating.
The highest level of ESG credit relevance is a score of '3', unless
otherwise disclosed in this section. A score of '3' means ESG
issues are credit-neutral or have only a minimal credit impact on
the entity, either due to their nature or the way in which they are
being managed by the entity. Fitch's ESG Relevance Scores are not
inputs in the rating process; they are an observation on the
relevance and materiality of ESG factors in the rating decision.
===============
P A R A G U A Y
===============
PARAGUAY: IDB OKs $75MM Loan to Improve Rural Access to Services
----------------------------------------------------------------
The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) has approved a $75
million multiple works loan to boost agricultural competitiveness
and economic and social development in rural Paraguay by improving
rural roads in the country's Eastern Region.
The operation, which has been approved by the IDB's Board of
Executive Directors, aims to expand vulnerable populations' access
to services and productive markets, address local road
infrastructure gaps, and make them more resilient by prioritizing
positive social and economic impact.
The IDB-financed program will improve approximately 123 kilometers
of local roads through drainage, erosion control, slope protection,
and other measures. It will also build new bridges, replace ones in
critical condition, and maintain the improved roads for four
years.
The program will also implement road safety strategies to make the
schools along the roads safer and easier for students to access.
In addition, the program will finance an updated Transportation
Infrastructure and Services Master Plan, which will build the
sector's institutional planning capacities and optimize public
spending.
This program will benefit an estimated 170,000 people, including
those who live and work in the areas served by the roads to be
improved. Approximately 30 percent of this population lives in
poverty. The stretches of road targeted by the project include
Carayaó-Nicolás Bo, Cristo Rey-Carpacué, and Abaí-Tarumá-Tuna,
in the departments of Caaguazú and Caazapá. The program will also
build a 100-meter bridge over the Monday River in Colonia Pengó
San Miguel in Alto Paraná, among others.
The IDB has been a strategic partner for Paraguay as the country
integrates its regions and expands access to markets and social
services for its rural population. In the last decade, the IDB has
supported several rural road and highway improvement programs, and
this operation complements and builds on that progress.
The IDB loan has a 22.5-year repayment term, an 8-year grace
period, and an interest rate based on the Secured Overnight
Financing Rate (SOFR).
=====================
P U E R T O R I C O
=====================
ANCHOR FUNDING: Seeks to Hire Alexis Fuentes-Hernandez as Counsel
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Anchor Funding, Inc. seeks approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court
for the District of Puerto Rico to employ Alexis Fuentes-Hernandez,
Esq., an attorney practicing in San Juan, Puerto Rico, to handle
its Chapter 11 case.
The attorney will be paid at his hourly rate of $250, plus
expenses.
The attorney received a retainer of $5,000 from the Debtor.
Mr. Hernandez disclosed in a court filing that he is a
"disinterested person" as the term is defined in Section 101(14) of
the Bankruptcy Code.
The attorney can be reached at:
Alexis Fuentes-Hernandez, Esq.
P.O. Box 9022726
San Juan PR 00902
Telephone: (787) 722-5215
Email: fuenteslaw@icloud.com
About Anchor Funding Inc.
Anchor Funding Inc. is a financial services firm engaged in credit
intermediation activities.
Anchor Funding Inc. sought relief under Chapter 11 of the U.S.
Bankruptcy Code (Bankr. D.P.R. Case No. 25-02813) on June 22,
2025.
In its petition, the Debtor reports estimated assets between $1
million and $10 million and estimated liabilities between $500,000
and $1 million.
The Debtor is represented by Alexis Fuentes-Hernandez, Esq.
CONCORDE METRO: Seeks to Hire Christiansen Commercial as Realtor
----------------------------------------------------------------
Concorde Metro Seguros, LLC seeks approval from the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court for the District of Puerto Rico to employ Christiansen Real
Estate, Inc. d/b/a Christiansen Commercial as realtor.
The firm will procure the sale of Debtor's commercial office
condominium units located within the Metro Medical Center building
at the Bayamon Municipality.
The broker will receive a commission equal to five percent of
property sold, and six percent of the sales price if the services
of a cooperating broker are required.
Christiansen Commercial is a "disinterested person", as defined in
11 U.S.C. Sec. 101(14), according to court filings.
The broker can be reached through:
Ryan G. Christiansen
Christiansen Real Estate, Inc.
d/b/a Christiansen Commercial
P.O. Box 6894
San Juan, PR 00914-6894
Email: ryan@christiansencommercial.com
About Concorde Metro Seguros
Concorde Metro Seguros LLC is a single-asset real estate debtor, as
defined in 11 U.S.C. Section 101(51B). The Company's primary
business involves managing the Metro Medical Center in Bayamon,
Puerto Rico, which serves as its principal asset.
Concorde Metro Seguros LLC sought relief under Chapter 11 of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Bankr. D.P.R. Case No. 25-01269) on March 24,
2025. In its petition, the Debtor reports estimated assets and
liabilities between $1 million and $10 million each.
The Debtor is represented by Javier Vilarino, Esq. at Vilarino and
Associates LLC.
PUERTO RICO: Bond Suit Doesn't Belong In Conn., Insurers Say
------------------------------------------------------------
Aaron Keller at law360.com reports that the insurers of billions in
bonds issued by the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corp. say a
Connecticut federal judge can't hear a proposed class action
accusing them of failing to pay bondholders the full value of their
investments after a 2016 bankruptcy default.
Puerto Rico is a self-governing commonwealth in association with
the United States. The chief of state is the President of the
United States of America. The head of government is an elected
Governor. There are two legislative chambers: the House of
Representatives, 51 seats, and the Senate, 27 seats. The
governor-elect is Ricardo Antonio "Ricky" Rossello Nevares, the son
of former governor Pedro Rossello.
In 2016, the U.S. Congress passed PROMESA, which, among other
things, created the Financial Oversight and Management Board and
imposed an automatic stay on creditor lawsuits against the
government, which expired May 1, 2017.
The members of the oversight board are: (i) Andrew G. Biggs, (ii)
Jose B. Carrion III, (iii) Carlos M. Garcia, (iv) Arthur J.
Gonzalez, (v) Jose R. Gonzalez, (vi) Ana. J. Matosantos, and (vii)
David A. Skeel Jr.
On May 3, 2017, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico filed a petition
for relief under Title III of the Puerto Rico Oversight,
Management, and Economic Stability Act ("PROMESA"). The case is
pending in the United States District Court for the District of
Puerto Rico under case number 17-cv-01578. A copy of Puerto Rico's
PROMESA petition is available at
http://bankrupt.com/misc/1701578-00001.pdf
On May 5, 2017, the Puerto Rico Sales Tax Financing Corporation
(COFINA) commenced a case under Title III of PROMESA (D.P.R. Case
No. 17-01599). Joint administration has been sought for the Title
III cases.
On May 21, 2017, two more agencies -- Employees Retirement System
of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and Puerto
Rico Highways and Transportation Authority (Case Nos. 17-01685 and
17-01686) -- commenced Title III cases.
U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts named U.S. District Judge Laura
Taylor Swain to preside over the Title III cases.
The Oversight Board has hired as advisors, Proskauer Rose LLP and
O'Neill & Borges LLC as legal counsel, McKinsey & Co. as strategic
consultant, Citigroup Global Markets as municipal investment
banker, and Ernst & Young, as financial advisor.
Martin J. Bienenstock, Esq., Scott K. Rutsky, Esq., and Philip M.
Abelson, Esq., of Proskauer Rose LLP; and Hermann D. Bauer, Esq.,
at O'Neill & Borges LLC are onboard as attorneys.
Prime Clerk LLC is the claims and noticing agent. Prime Clerk
maintains the case Web site
https://cases.primeclerk.com/puertorico
Jones Day is serving as counsel to certain ERS bondholders.
Paul Weiss is counsel to the Ad Hoc Group of Puerto Rico General
Obligation Bondholders.
*********
S U B S C R I P T I O N I N F O R M A T I O N
Troubled Company Reporter-Latin America is a daily newsletter
co-published by Bankruptcy Creditors' Service, Inc., Fairless
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USA, Marites O. Claro, Joy A. Agravante, Rousel Elaine T.
Fernandez, Julie Anne L. Toledo, Ivy B. Magdadaro, and Peter A.
Chapman, Editors.
Copyright 2025. All rights reserved. ISSN 1529-2746.
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