260514.mbx
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
Thursday, May 14, 2026, Vol. 27, No. 96
Headlines
A R G E N T I N A
ARGENTINA: Milei Government Sees Financial Reasons to Be Cheerful
B R A Z I L
AZUL SA: Sees $200M Fuel Hit in 2026; Restructuring to Cushion Blow
BANCO MASTER: Court Won't Limit Rule 2004 Subpoena
C A Y M A N I S L A N D S
CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE: Seeks Chapter 15 Bankruptcy in Texas
PHOENIX AVIATION: Fitch Hikes Long-Term IDR to 'B+', Outlook Stable
C O S T A R I C A
BANCO INTERNATIONAL: Fitch Affirms 'BB' LT IDR, Outlook Positive
J A M A I C A
JAMAICA: NIR Fell by US$454.6 Million in April
M E X I C O
BANCA MIFEL: Fitch Assigns 'B-' Rating to USD300MM AT1 Notes
DEL MONTE: Defends Ch. 11 Plan Against Lenders' Objection
MEXICO REMITTANCES: S&P Affirms 'BB (sf)' Rating on 2024-1 Notes
S T . K I T T S A N D N E V I S
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS: Economic Growth Slowed in 2025, IMF Says
- - - - -
=================
A R G E N T I N A
=================
ARGENTINA: Milei Government Sees Financial Reasons to Be Cheerful
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Buenos Aires Times reports that President Javier Milei's economic
team is seeking to consolidate the narrative of "the worst is now
behind us" with March, the month enthusing government offices with
data showing economic activity moving up.
It's a timid rebound but still a rebound, notes the report. Private
estimates endorse the jump but require a more cautious reading,
according to Buenos Aires Times. The warning is that the traction
is almost exclusively external, placing the focus on the
deteriorating chain of payments within families, the report notes.
The government, in contrast, affirms that the effect sought is
materialising, thanks to lower interest rates, the report relays.
Argentina's authorities are closely following a series of
high-frequency indicators which, when discounting seasonal factors,
indicated a positive shift in March, the report notes. Luis
Caputo's Economy Ministry especially celebrates the rebound of
items linked to the domestic market which had been lagging: sales
of non-alcoholic beverages rose 1.2 percent, cement shipments 5.5
percent and the licensing of cars 2.3 percent, the report
discloses. In the industrial and primary sectors, they highlight
the production of steel, up 11.4 percent, and a 21.4 percent surge
in soybean crushing, the report says.
"The processes of recovery are never lineal or homogeneous, but the
numbers point to improvements and -- it seems to me -- with solid
bases since there is feedback between the improvements leading to a
virtuous circle," a government source said in conversation with
Perfil, the report notes.
Export-Driven
Private consultants and firms ratify the rebound but flash amber
lights as to its sustainability, the report relays.
The Estimador de Actividad Economica (EsAE) elaborated by the Eco
Go consultancy firm registered an expansion of 0.8 percent when
discounting seasonal factors in March as against February, with a
year-on-year rise of 2.4 percent, the report says. But a
radiography of this indicator shows the recovery is not integral
– the exclusive driving force was the external market where
exports shot up 41.2 percent for the month, while sensitive
consumer variables barely shifted by 1.4 percent, the report notes.
For specialists, depending on farm and energy shipments instead of
the domestic consumer market places in doubt the temporal
continuity of this rebound into the second half of the year, the
report discloses.
For the Analytica consultancy firm, the improvement was similar:
0.9 percent discounting seasonal factors, according to their ILA
(Indice Lider de Actividad) index, the report relays.
"March was a month of extended recovery, although heterogeneous.
Industry and the external front pulled their weight forcefully, the
auto sector reversed its fall and construction gave signs of
sustainability. Agriculture registered a monthly dip but it
continues to operate at historically high levels," said the firm in
a report, Buenos Aires Times notes.
"Where the rebound did not appear was in household demand: private
consumption, family credit and consumer confidence again
deteriorated, leaving it clear that the recovery has a low
ceiling," it added.
In productive companies, in contrast, a positive comparison with a
month which (they highlight) was very poor may be seen, the report
discloses.
The report notes that Union Industrial Argentina (UIA) employers'
federation sees a general rebound of 3.2 percent for March:
"Industry both at the aggregate and sectorial levels continues to
underperform in relation to the first quarter of last year while 10
percent below the levels of 2022 and 2023."
For February, the INDEC national statistics bureau had registered a
monthly fall of 2.6 percent in economic activity and 2.1 percent
year-on-year, the report relays.
The Peak of Arrears
The Milei government's enthusiastic reading of the statistics
co-exists with the harshest side of the monetary squeeze -- bank
arrears hit a peak of 11.2 percent, the report relays.
Far from registering alarm, the La Libertad Avanza administration
takes this figure on board as already digested collateral damage,
the report discloses. Economy Ministry sources indicated: "This is
an expected effect of the electoral monetary squeeze and should go
down in the next few months," the report notes.
The report says that Central Bank Governor Santiago Bausili,
reinforced this line when speaking at ExpoEFI recently. For the
head of the monetary authority, the financial system "is healing"
after having overcome the peak of missed payments. According to
his diagnosis, the resumption of credit activity after the
devaluation triggered a "first wave of credits granted blindly." He
added: "If there is no credit, there are no arrears; when credit
returned, so did the arrears."
The report relays that Bausili argued that the end of the
liquidation of debts by inflation obliged banks to recalibrate
their scoring systems, warning: "For the debtor, inflation took
care of the last installments of peso credits but not any more."
Private studies speak of the highest arrears in years, coming as a
consequence of the income shock, the report discloses. A report by
Centro RA of the University of Buenos Aires (UBA) points out that
missed payments on consumer credits jumped up from 2.5 to 12.1
percent (almost fivefold), Buenos Aires Times relays.
In parallel, total household arrears reached 10.6 percent, topping
even the worst numbers registered in the pandemic and marking the
highest level since 2009, the report recalls.
The UBA report links this deterioration in assets to the disparity
in the correction of relative prices. With an accumulated inflation
since December 2023 of 170 percent in goods and 362 percent in
services, the structure of family survival has mutated drastically,
the report says. Wage-earners have passed from destining 60
percent of their earnings to the purchase of goods to concentrating
42 percent exclusively on the payment of services (four more points
than at the start of this administration), the report notes.
It's a displacement which absorbs the liquidity of households and
pushes them into defaulting on their financial obligations, the
report adds.
About Argentina
Argentina is a country located mostly in the southern half of
South America. Its capital is Buenos Aires. Javier Milei is the
current president of Argentina after winning the November 19,
2023 general election. He succeeded Alberto Angel Fernandez
in the position.
Argentina has the third largest economy in Latin America. The
country's economy is an upper middle-income economy for fiscal
year 2019, according to the World Bank. Historically, however,
its economic performance has been very uneven, with high economic
growth alternating with severe recessions, income maldistribution
and in the recent decades, increasing poverty.
In March 2022, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) approved a
30-month arrangement under an Extended Fund Facility for Argentina
in the amount of SDR 31.914 billion (equivalent to US$44 billion,
or 1000 percent of quota) -- with an approved immediate
disbursement of an equivalent of US$9.65 billion. Argentina's
IMF-supported program sought to improve public finances and start
to reduce persistent high inflation through a multi-pronged
strategy.
On April 11, 2025, the IMF further approved a 48-month Extended
Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement for Argentina totaling US$20
billion (or 479 percent of quota), with an immediate disbursement
of US$12 billion, and a first review planned for June
2025 with an associated disbursement of about US$2 billion. The
program is expected to help catalyze additional official
multilateral and bilateral support, and a timely re-access to
international capital markets.
Fitch Ratings on May 5, 2026, has upgraded Argentina's
Long-Term Foreign Currency and Local Currency Issuer Default
Rating (IDR) to 'B-' from 'CCC+'. The rating Outlook is Stable.
Fitch said Argentina's rating reflects structurally improved fiscal
and external balances, progress on economic reforms, improved
prospects for FX reserve accumulation, and its expectation that
the government will secure adequate financing to cover debt
obligations.
S&P Global Ratings on Dec. 17, 2025, raised its local currency
sovereign credit ratings on Argentina to 'CCC+/C' from 'SD/SD',
and its long-term foreign currency sovereign credit
rating to 'CCC+' from 'CCC'. S&P affirmed its 'C' short-term
foreign
currency rating. The outlook on the long-term ratings is stable.
Moody's Ratings on July 17, 2025, upgraded Argentina's
long-term foreign currency and local currency issuer ratings to
Caa1 from Caa3 and changed the outlook to stable from positive.
DBRS, Inc. upgraded Argentina's Long-Term Foreign and Local
Currency Issuer Ratings to B (low) from CCC in November 2024.
===========
B R A Z I L
===========
AZUL SA: Sees $200M Fuel Hit in 2026; Restructuring to Cushion Blow
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Brazilian airline Azul SA CFO Antonio Carlos Garcia told Reuters
that the airline expects a hit of about BRL1 billion ($204.15
million) from higher jet fuel prices this year, but believes it
is better positioned than peers to absorb the impact after a recent
restructuring.
Mr. Garcia, who joined Azul in April from planemaker Embraer just
as the carrier exited chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, noted
that fuel accounts for roughly 30% of the firm's costs, with the
sharp rise in oil prices feeding through quickly, according to the
report. He says Azul expects to offset part of the impact via
capacity cuts and revenue growth.
With Azul's recent restructuring reducing obligations by $2.5
billion, Mr. Garcia said he is prioritizing cost discipline, cash
generation, and plans an ADR relaunch by June, adds the report.
About Azul S.A.
Headquartered in Barueri near the City of Sao Paulo, Brazil, Azul
S.A. is a Brazilian airline founded by David Neeleman in 2008.
The company is the largest airline in Brazil by number of cities
covered and departures, serving more than 160 destinations with an
operating fleet of 168 aircraft and operating more than 900 flights
daily.
Azul S.A. and affiliates sought protection under Chapter 11 of the
U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Bankr. S.D.N.Y. Case No. 25-11176) on May
28,
2025, listing up to $10 billion in both assets and liabilities.
Judge Sean H. Lane oversees the case.
The Debtors tapped Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP and Togut, Segal &
Segal LLP as counsel.
On June 13, 2025, the United States Trustee for Region 2 appointed
the Committee under section 1102 of the Bankruptcy Code.
On December 19, 2025, Judge Lane entered an order confirming
the company's overwhelmingly consensual plan of
reorganization. On February 20, 2026, Azul completed its
restructuring and emerged from bankruptcy.
As reported in the Troubled Company Reporter-Latin America on March
17, 2026, Fitch Ratings has assigned Azul a final 'B-' Foreign and
Local Currency Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs) and National Long-Term
Rating of 'BBB-(bra)'. The Rating Outlook is Stable. Fitch has
also assigned Azul Secured Finance LLP's senior secured USD1.375
billion exit finance notes a final 'B-' rating with a Recovery
Rating of 'RR4'. These actions follow the completion of Azul's
Chapter 11 process.
BANCO MASTER: Court Won't Limit Rule 2004 Subpoena
--------------------------------------------------
Chief Judge Scott M. Grossman of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the
Southern District of Florida denied Daniel Vorcaro's Motion for
Protective Order to limit or prohibit Rule 2004 Examination
Subpoenas Duces Tecum issued by the Foreign Representative in the
bankruptcy case of Banco Master, S.A..
On December 10, 2025, the Liquidator filed a petition seeking
Chapter 15 recognition of the Brazilian extrajudicial liquidation
proceeding pending before the Central Bank of Brazil against Banco
Master, S.A., Banco LetsBank, S.A., Banco Master de Investimentos,
S.A., and Master S/A Corretora de Cambio, Titulos e Valores
Mobiliarios (collectively, the "Debtors"). Mr. Vorcaro, the former
controlling shareholder and administrator of the Debtors, opposed
recognition. On January 8, 2026, the Bankruptcy Court entered an
order recognizing the Brazilian proceeding (the "Recognition
Order") and authorizing the Liquidator to conduct discovery under
Federal Rule of Bankruptcy Procedure 2004.
Mr. Vorcaro, by and through his counsel, moves for a Protective
Order pursuant to 11 U.S.C. Sec. 1521(a)(4), Federal Rules of Civil
Procedure 26, as made applicable by Federal Rules of Bankruptcy
Procedure 7026 and Rule 2004 and Local Rule 2004, as applicable, to
limit the scope of 11 subpoenas issued by the Foreign
Representative on April 9, 2026 and April 16, 2026, and any
prospective Rule 2004 subpoenas, to prohibit inquiry into any of
Mr. Vorcaro's personal assets and information.
Mr. Vorcaro previously filed two motions for protective order under
Local Rule 2004-1(C) challenging twenty-eight Notices of Taking
Rule 2004 Examination Duces Tecum served by Foreign
Representative.
On April 6, 2026, the Court entered an order Granting in Part and
Denying in Part Daniel Vorcaro's Motions for Protective Order to
Limit or Prohibit Rule 2004 Examination Subpoenas Duces Tecum (the
"Order"). Contemporaneously with this motion, Mr. Vorcaro has
noticed an appeal from the Order and in the alternative seeks leave
from the District Court to appeal the Order. Mr. Vorcaro files this
motion for protective order (the "Motion") not to relitigate issues
before this Court that this Court has already decided, but to
preserve his rights while he pursues an appeal of the Order.
On April 9, 2026, and April 16, 2026, the Foreign Representative
issued subpoenas to the following entities (the "Subpoena
Recipients") each of whom appear to be wholly unrelated to the
Debtors:
* ARYA INVESTMENTS LLC
* CLEAR RIVER PROPERTIES LLC A/K/A ROLUJA LLC
* CONSORTIS JW LLC
* MIG INC.
* MOSAIC CORPORATE SERVICES
* MOSAIC GROUP LLC
* PH 47 LLC
* THE CLEARING HOUSE PAYMENTS COMPANY LLC
* FLEXJET LLC
* JETCRAFT CORPORATION
* MONACO ACCOUNT CENTRE LLC
The Subpoena Recipients include real estate groups and
representatives, aviation companies and providers, and The Clearing
House Payments LLC, which is a payment system
infrastructure that operates an electronic check clearing and
settlement system, a clearing house, and a wholesale funds transfer
system within the United States. The Foreign Representative seeks
testimony from Subpoena Recipients who are believed to offer
administrative and corporate services. Upon information and belief,
none of the Subpoena Recipients have any corporate relation to the
Debtors or direct business with the Debtors.
All eleven of the April 9 and 16 Subpoenas call for documents and
information relating to "any of the Debtors" or the "Asset Freeze
Parties," which, as defined therein, include Mr. Vorcaro. Mr.
Vorcaro contends the Foreign Representative has not established
good cause to continue issuing subpoenas that are untethered to any
legitimate inquiry into the Debtors' assets and affairs.
A copy of the Motion dated April 20, 2026, is available at
https://urlcurt.com/u?l=v6scPF from PacerMonitor.com.
A copy of the Court's Order dated April 30, 2026, is available at
https://urlcurt.com/u?l=vLcb2c from PacerMonitor.com.
Attorneys for Daniel Vorcaro:
Gabriela M. Ruiz, Esq.
KING & RUIZ LLP
2 S. Biscayne Blvd., Suite 3200
Miami, Florida 33131
Tel: (305) 395-4984
E-mail: gruiz@kingruiz.com
About Banco Master
Banco Master, S.A., formerly known as Banco Maxima, is a financial
institution that provides corporate credit, foreign exchange, and
treasury services, and later expanded into real estate credit as
well as fund and wealth management activities. The bank began
operations in 1974 and broadened its business lines in the
mid-1990s as part of its growth strategy within the financial
service sector.
Banco Master filed a Chapter 15 Petition with the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court for the Southern District of Florida on December 10, 2025
(Case No. 25-24568), with the Hon. Scott M Grossman presiding.
===========================
C A Y M A N I S L A N D S
===========================
CONNECTICUT HEALTHCARE: Seeks Chapter 15 Bankruptcy in Texas
------------------------------------------------------------
Emily Lever of Law360 Bankruptcy Authority reports that Connecticut
Healthcare Insurance Company, a Cayman Islands insurance entity
affiliated with Prospect Medical Holdings, has commenced a Chapter
15 case in Texas bankruptcy court seeking recognition of its
foreign liquidation proceedings. The insurer is currently subject
to winding-up proceedings in the Cayman Islands.
In its filing, the company said Chapter 15 recognition would
safeguard its U.S. assets and promote coordination between the
Cayman court and American creditors. The insurer is seeking the
customary protections available in cross-border insolvency cases
under the Bankruptcy Code.
The proceedings are part of broader efforts to manage the
company’s financial obligations and administer claims in an
organized manner while the Cayman liquidation moves forward, the
report states.
About Connecticut Healthcare Insurance Co.
Connecticut Healthcare Insurance Company is a healthcare insurance
carrier engaged in offering medical coverage and related insurance
products. The company supports policyholders through health benefit
programs, claims administration, and managed healthcare services
across its markets.
Connecticut Healthcare Insurance Co. sought relief under Chapter 15
of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code (Bankr. N.D. Tex. Case No. 26-32010) on
May 5, 2026.
Honorable Bankruptcy Judge Stacey G. Jernigan handles the case.
The Debtor is represented by Vienna Flores Anaya, Esq. of Jackson
Walker LLP.
PHOENIX AVIATION: Fitch Hikes Long-Term IDR to 'B+', Outlook Stable
-------------------------------------------------------------------
Fitch Ratings has upgraded the Long-Term Issuer Default Ratings
(IDRs) of Phoenix Aviation Capital LLC (PAC) and its rated
subsidiary, Phoenix Aviation Capital Limited (PACL), to 'B+' from
'B'. The Rating Outlook is Stable.
Fitch has also upgraded PACL's senior unsecured debt rating to 'B+'
from 'B' with a Recovery Rating of 'RR4' and the senior secured
rating on the Term Loan B (TLB) co-issued by PAC Aviation III
Designated Activity Company (PACDIII) and PAC DAC LLC (PACD),
collectively the co-issuers and ultimately wholly owned by Phoenix
Aviation Capital, LLC (PAC), to 'BB' from 'BB-' with a Recovery
Rating of 'RR2'.
These rating actions are being taken in conjunction with Fitch's
global aircraft leasing sector review. For more information on the
sector review, please see "Fitch Ratings Completes Aircraft Lessor
Peer Review; Revises Sector Outlook to Deteriorating,".
Key Rating Drivers
Upgrade on Strong Execution and Improved Diversification: The
rating upgrade reflects PAC's improving scale and portfolio
diversification from orderbook placements and secondary market
trading, as well as strong execution against its business strategy.
PAC's fleet of owned aircraft grew to 30 from 17 one year ago, with
a net book value (NBV) of $1.6 billion at March 31, 2026, pro forma
for its contracted pipeline. In addition, portfolio diversification
improved notably with the single largest lessee representing 15% of
NBV at 1Q26, down from 29% one year ago, while its geographic reach
expanded to 13 airlines in 10 countries from seven airlines in six
countries over the same period, pro forma for its contracted
pipeline.
PAC executed several capital markets transactions and further
diversified its funding profile, most notably with its inaugural
$592 million Term Loan B offering in October 2025, which was
upsized by $42 million in March 2026. PAC also issued an inaugural
$600 million unsecured note in June 2025 and a $150 million add-on
in January 2026, resulting in an increase in unsecured funding to
around 37% of total debt at Dec. 31, 2025, on a pro forma basis.
Fitch expects scale and diversification will continue to improve as
PAC adds aircraft from its orderbook. At the current rating level,
PAC's ratings remain supported by its market standing as a
full-service lessor focused on new technology, narrowbody aircraft,
appropriate current and target leverage, the absence of any
meaningful near-term debt maturities and clear growth visibility
through its near-term orderbook.
Ambitious Growth Targets: Rating constraints include the company's
short operating track record as a standalone lessor, execution risk
associated with its ambitious growth targets, reliance on wholesale
secured funding, a smaller, concentrated portfolio by customer and
geography compared to peers, and funding and placement risks
associated with the firm's sizable orderbook. Fitch also notes
potential governance and conflicts of interest associated with
PAC's externally managed business model and ownership by fixed life
funds.
Sector Constraints: Rating constraints applicable to the aircraft
lessor industry more broadly include the monoline nature of the
business, potential exposure to residual value risks, the reliance
on wholesale funding sources, and vulnerability to exogenous shocks
including sensitivity to higher oil prices, inflation and
unemployment, which could negatively impact travel demand. Fitch
also notes the ongoing Iran conflict and risk of protracted jet
fuel shortages. While airlines globally have responded by cutting
capacity on less-profitable routes, lessors may still face
increased requests for lease deferrals. If granted, these deferrals
could negatively impact liquidity and internal capital generation
over time.
Nominal Franchise: As of March 31, 2026, PAC has a committed
orderbook for 25 Boeing B737-8 aircraft, which are scheduled to
deliver through 2028, and has optional purchase rights for an
additional 30 B737-8 aircraft. The company expects to support
additional portfolio growth through sale-leaseback and secondary
market opportunities over the medium term.
Attractive Portfolio: PAC's portfolio comprises highly liquid tier
1 (86% of NBV) and tier 2 aircraft (14%), as categorized by Fitch,
with a weighted average age of the owned portfolio of 3.2 years,
and an average remaining lease term of 8.4 years, as of Dec. 31,
2025. Compared to rated peers, PACs maintains a younger and more
liquid aircraft portfolio while its remaining lease term is one of
the longest in the market. In Fitch's view, this underpins asset
performance as a relative rating strength for the business.
Modest Earnings: Net spreads (lease yields less funding costs) were
1.7% for FY2025 down from 2.0% in FY2024, due to higher interest
expense and the dilutive effect of new orderbook assets being
introduced into the portfolio during the year. Fitch expects net
spreads to improve over time as existing new technology aircraft
become more seasoned and funding costs decline with anticipated
refinancing. Over the medium term, Fitch expects net spreads to
move into the 'bb' category benchmark range of 1%-5% for aircraft
lessors with a sector risk operating environment (SROE) score in
the 'bbb' category.
Adequate Leverage: Fitch's calculated leverage (gross debt to
tangible equity), which assigns 100% equity credit to PAC's $652
million preferred equity, was 3.7x at YE 2025, or 3.4x net of cash.
This was aligned with the firm's business plan projections and was
within management's stated leverage target of 3.0x-3.5x on a net
debt-to-equity basis. PAC's leverage is appropriate given its fleet
profile.
Improved Funding Mix: Following unsecured debt issuances in 2025
and early 2026, unsecured debt comprised 37% of total debt at YE
2025, pro forma for the $150 million unsecured note add-on issued
in January 2026, versus a fully secured funding mix at YE 2024.
Current funding comprises unsecured notes, a Term Loan B and
secured term loans and warehouse financings backed by aircraft.
Fitch expects PAC's unsecured mix to decrease modestly in the near
term, as deliveries are initially funded through its secured
warehouse facility. Over time, PAC may term out some of this debt
in the unsecured bond market. Fitch expects unsecured debt to
remain within the 'bb' range of 10%-35% for aircraft lessors with
an SROE score in the 'bbb' category.
Appropriate Liquidity: PAC faces heightened funding and placement
risks due to its substantial order book commitments, but all 2026
order book positions and 43% of 2027 deliveries are already placed.
Liquidity resources for the next 12 months totaled $949 million at
YE 2025, including $174 million of unrestricted cash, $604 million
of availability under secured and unsecured credit facilities, and
$170 million of operating cash flow. These resources provide
adequate liquidity coverage of 1.6x relative to the next 12 months'
order purchase commitments of $510 million and debt maturities of
$98 million. On-balance-sheet liquidity will also be supported by
an additional $325 million equity commitment from shareholders.
Stable Outlook: The Stable Outlook reflects Fitch's expectation
that PAC will manage its balance sheet growth to maintain
sufficient headroom relative to its targeted leverage range and
Fitch's negative rating sensitivities for liquidity coverage over
the Outlook horizon, despite Fitch's expectation for increased
macro challenges including geopolitical risks, increased fuel
prices, higher inflation and uncertainty around the robustness of
air travel demand.
RATING SENSITIVITIES
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Negative
Rating Action/Downgrade
- Weakening in the company's projected long-term cash flow
generation, unsecured debt below 20% of total debt, net spreads
sustained below 1%, liquidity coverage dropping below 1.0x, and/or
a sustained increase in Fitch-calculated gross leverage above 5x;
- Macroeconomic and/or geopolitical headwinds that lead to lease
restructurings rejections, lessee defaults, and increased losses,
or a material deterioration in fleet quality, particularly
concerning the proportion of tier 1 aircraft, average fleet age and
average lease terms, could also negatively impact ratings;
- PAC's ownership by private funds could lead to negative rating
actions if it results in elevated capital extractions or if a
forced sale of the company at fund maturity undermines PAC's
financial profile, franchise, or long-term strategic direction;
- Shortcomings in corporate governance or conflicts of interest
that weaken PAC's franchise position, limiting its ability to
pursue new business opportunities.
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Positive
Rating Action/Upgrade
- Sustained strong execution against planned growth targets and
long-term strategic objectives, particularly if this leads to
further fleet diversification, with single airline exposure
approaching 10% of NBV while maintaining a liquid, young fleet
portfolio;
- Profitably improving franchise scale, as demonstrated by net
operating income exceeding $25 million on a sustained basis;
- Maintaining a sound financial profile, including gross leverage
below 4.0x, low impairment ratios, a sustained increase in net
spreads above 2% and liquidity coverage above 1.1x;
- Continued ability to fund and proactively place order book
assets;
- Demonstrated capital market access while maintaining unsecured
debt above 30% of total debt.
DEBT AND OTHER INSTRUMENT RATINGS: KEY RATING DRIVERS
The senior secured debt rating (BB/RR2) is two notches above PAC's
Long-Term IDR and reflects the aircraft collateral backing the
obligations, which suggests strong recovery prospects.
The senior unsecured debt rating (B+/RR4) is equalized with PAC's
Long-Term IDR and reflects expectations for average recovery
prospects in a stress scenario, given the availability of
unencumbered assets.
DEBT AND OTHER INSTRUMENT RATINGS: RATING SENSITIVITIES
The senior secured debt rating is primarily sensitive to changes in
PAC's Long-Term IDR and secondarily to the relative recovery
prospects of the instruments. In the event of a future upgrade in
PAC's Long-Term IDR to 'BB-' or above, Fitch will assess recovery
prospects using its generic notching approach, which could lead to
a narrowing in the notching between the Long-Term IDR and secured
debt rating.
The senior unsecured debt rating is primarily sensitive to changes
in PAC's Long-Term IDR and the relative recovery prospects of the
instruments. A decline in unencumbered asset coverage, combined
with a material increase in secured debt relative to PAC's business
plan, could result in the notching of the unsecured debt down from
the Long-Term IDR.
ADJUSTMENTS
The Standalone Credit Profile has been assigned in line with the
implied Standalone Credit Profile.
The Business Profile score has been assigned above the implied
score due to the following adjustment reason(s): Historical and
future developments (positive).
The Asset Quality score has been assigned below the implied score
due to the following adjustment reason(s): Concentrations; Asset
performance (negative), risk profile and business model
(negative).
The Earnings & Profitability score has been assigned below the
implied score due to the following adjustment reason(s): Historical
and future metrics (negative).
The Capitalization & Leverage score has been assigned below the
implied score due to the following adjustment reason(s): Risk
profile and business model (negative).
ESG Considerations
PAC has an ESG Relevance Score of '4' for Management Strategy due
to execution risk associated with the operational implementation of
the company's outlined business plan. This has a negative impact on
the credit profile and is relevant to the ratings in conjunction
with other factors.
PAC has an ESG Relevance Score of '4' for Governance Structure due
to potential governance and conflicts of interest risks associated
with PAC's limited number of independent board members and
ownership by a fixed-life fund structure and external management.
Shortcomings in corporate governance or conflicts of interest could
weaken PAC's franchise position and limit its ability to pursue new
business opportunities. This has a negative impact on the credit
profile and is relevant to the ratings in conjunction with other
factors.
Unless otherwise disclosed in this section, the highest level of
ESG credit relevance is a score of '3'. This 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.
Entity/Debt Rating Recovery Prior
----------- ------ -------- -----
Phoenix Aviation
Capital Limited LT IDR B+ Upgrade B
senior unsecured LT B+ Upgrade RR4 B
PAC DAC LLC
senior secured LT BB Upgrade RR2 BB-
Phoenix Aviation
Capital LLC LT IDR B+ Upgrade B
PAC Aviation III
Designated Activity
Company
senior secured LT BB Upgrade RR2 BB-
===================
C O S T A R I C A
===================
BANCO INTERNATIONAL: Fitch Affirms 'BB' LT IDR, Outlook Positive
----------------------------------------------------------------
Fitch Ratings has affirmed Banco Internacional de Costa Rica,
S.A.'s (BICSA) Long- and Short-Term Issuer Default Ratings (IDRs)
at 'BB' and 'B', respectively. Fitch has also affirmed BICSA's
Shareholder Support Rating (SSR) at 'bb' and its Viability Rating
(VR) at 'bb-'. Fitch has affirmed the bank's Long- and Short-Term
National Ratings at 'AA-(pan)' and 'F1+(pan)', respectively. The
Rating Outlook for the Long-Term IDR and National Rating is
Positive.
Key Rating Drivers
Ratings Based on Parent Support: BICSA's IDRs and National Ratings
are driven by its 'bb' SSR. BICSA is a bank with a general license
in Panama and its shareholders are Costa Rican state banks Banco de
Costa Rica (BCR) and Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR).
Sound Support Ability: Fitch's opinion of support capacity is
driven by BCR's IDRs at 'BB' with a Positive Outlook. BICSA is 51%
owned by BCR and 49% owned by BNCR, and its SSR and IDR are
equalized to BCR's IDRs. In turn, BICSA's national scale ratings
reflect BCR's creditworthiness relative to the rated issuers in
Panama.
Significant Reputational Risk: Fitch's assessment on BCR's
propensity is highly influenced by the significant reputational
risk to BCR if BICSA defaults. The Panamanian bank is important to
the shareholder's international operations, and its credit profile
is closely linked to BCR's. Fitch also considers BCR's state
ownership.
Blended Approach for Operating Environment: BICSA's operating
environment (OE) assessment reflects the bank's geographical scope,
given its exposure to nearly 30 jurisdictions. Fitch affirmed
BICSA's OE score at 'bb' and revised its Outlook to Positive from
Stable because the agency believes the bank will maintain a
sustained and proven increase in credit operations in locations
with improved OE conditions over the ratings horizon. Panama and
Costa Rica represent about 60% of total earning assets, and the
bank's international operations result in an OE lower than Panama's
bb+, where BICSA is domiciled.
Consistent Business Profile: BICSA's business profile score of 'b+'
reflects its steady business model, its specialization in corporate
and institutional segments, its geographic diversification and its
moderate market position in the Panamanian banking system. Its
consistent growth has helped gradually improve its business
performance and increase its operating income. As of YE25, its
total operating income (TOI) grew around 7% yoy, reaching USD62.8
million (YE 2024: USD58.9 million).
Reasonable Asset Quality: BICSA maintains sound credit quality
across its portfolios, in line with its corporate orientation,
although debtor concentration risk persists. As of YE 2025, its
stage 3 loans to total loans metric was 2.9% (2022-2025 average:
3.1%), which is comparable to similarly rated banks. Fitch
estimates BICSA will continue with controlled asset quality through
the bank's reasonable risk controls, well aligned with its 'bb-'
score.
Improved Profitability: Fitch increased BICSA's earnings and
profitability score to 'b+' from 'b', reflecting the sustained
improvement in its profitability in recent years, mainly driven by
higher TOI from consistent growth and improved operating
efficiency. As of YE 2025, its operating profit to risk weighted
assets (RWA) ratio reached 1.2%, up from its 2022-2025 average of
0.9% and broadly in line with that of similarly rated peers.
Sustained Capitalization Levels: BICSA has maintained stable
capitalization in recent years, reflecting gradually higher profits
and moderate portfolio growth. As of YE 2025, its common equity
tier 1 (CET1) capital to RWA ratio was 10.4% (YE24: 10.1%) which is
comparable with that of similarly rated peers. BICSA's
capitalization assessment also encompasses potential ordinary
shareholder support from its parent companies BCR and BNCR, if
needed.
Consistent Access to Funding: Fitch believes BICSA maintains a
diversified funding structure, which delivers stable liquidity. Its
funding profile is balanced between customer deposits, interbank
sources and non-deposit funding, which supports its financial
flexibility and consistent access to liquidity. The bank's loan to
deposit ratio was around 184% as of YE 2025 (2022-2025 average:
192%), which is unfavorable than that of local banks that rely more
on deposits for funding. Fitch considers BICSA's funding and
liquidity profile of 'bb-' will continue to be underpinned by
support availability from BCR, if needed.
Rating Sensitivities
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Negative
Rating Action/Downgrade
- BICSA's IDR and SSR could be downgraded if BCR's ratings are
downgraded. A significant reduction in BCR's propensity to provide
timely support to its subsidiary could also trigger a downgrade of
BICSA's ratings.
- BICSA's national scale ratings would also be downgraded in the
case of a multi-notch downgrade of BCR's IDRs.
- The VR could be downgraded if OEs in Panama and Costa Rica
deteriorate materially, as BICSA has its main exposures in those
markets, and/or if the bank's financial profile weakens. This could
be reflected in a significant and sustained increase in impaired
loans and a further reduction in the operating profit-to-RWAs
ratio, causing the CET1 ratio to remain below 10% on a sustained
basis.
- The VR could also be downgraded if high portfolio concentration
leads to unexpected credit deterioration, which would indicate less
effective risk controls and weaken its asset quality, profitability
and capitalization indicators.
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Positive
Rating Action/Upgrade
- Fitch could upgrade BICSA's IDRs, SSR and national scale ratings
if BCR's ratings were upgraded.
- The VR could be upgraded following a significant and sustained
improvement in BICSA's business operations and financial
performance that results in an operating profits-to-RWAs metric
consistently above 1.25% and a CET1 metric consistently above 13%,
as well as an improved funding structure through a loan-to-deposit
ratio at 140% or below on a sustained basis, while maintaining good
asset quality.
OTHER DEBT AND ISSUER RATINGS: KEY RATING DRIVERS
Debt Issuances National Ratings Aligned with BICSA's Ratings: The
senior unsecured debt long- and short-term national ratings are
equalized with BICSA's long- and short-term national ratings. Fitch
believes the bank's senior debt issuances have the same probability
of default as BICSA's.
OTHER DEBT AND ISSUER RATINGS: RATING SENSITIVITIES
BICSA's National Ratings on debt would reflect any movement in the
bank's National Ratings.
VR ADJUSTMENTS
The operating environment score of 'bb' is below the 'bbb' category
implied score due to the following adjustment reason: geographical
scope (negative).
The funding & liquidity score of 'bb-' is above the 'b & below'
category implied score due to the following adjustment reason:
liquidity access and ordinary support (positive).
Public Ratings with Credit Linkage to other ratings
BICSA's ratings are linked to those of its parent, BCR.
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.
Entity/Debt Rating Prior
----------- ------ -----
Banco
Internacional
de Costa Rica,
S.A. LT IDR BB Affirmed BB
ST IDR B Affirmed B
Natl LT AA-(pan) Affirmed AA-(pan)
Natl ST F1+(pan) Affirmed F1+(pan)
Viability bb- Affirmed bb-
Shareholder Support bb Affirmed bb
senior
unsecured Natl LT AA-(pan) Affirmed AA-(pan)
senior
unsecured Natl ST F1+(pan) Affirmed F1+(pan)
=============
J A M A I C A
=============
JAMAICA: NIR Fell by US$454.6 Million in April
----------------------------------------------
RJR News reports that Jamaica's net international reserves fell by
US$454.6 million to US$6.45 billion as at the end of April, from
$6.91 billion at the end of March.
This was because the central bank continued to intervene in the
foreign exchange market in order to shore up the value of the
dollar on the back of the galloping import bill, due to the impact
of Hurricane Melissa, the war in the Middle East, and the tumbling
merchandise export earnings impacting tourism inflows, according to
RJR News.
This was mainly due to a US$436.2 million fall in currency deposits
to US$3.3 billion in April from US$3.7 billion in March, the report
notes.
The NIR could purchase 40 weeks of imported goods at the end of
April compared with the 43 weeks in March, 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.
===========
M E X I C O
===========
BANCA MIFEL: Fitch Assigns 'B-' Rating to USD300MM AT1 Notes
------------------------------------------------------------
Fitch Ratings has assigned a final 'B-' rating to Banca Mifel, S.A.
Institucion de Banca Multiple, Grupo Financiero Mifel's (Banca
Mifel) Additional Tier 1 (AT1) notes for USD300 million at 9.25%.
The rating is four notches below the bank's Viability Rating (VR)
and aligns with Fitch's baseline notching for AT1 instruments.
The notes are perpetual, five-year callable, deeply subordinated,
non-preferred, interest-rate resettable AT1 debt securities, with
fully discretionary and non-cumulative coupons. Proceeds will be
used to prudently manage regulatory capital ratios and support loan
portfolio growth.
The final rating follows a review of final terms and conditions
according to information Fitch received when it assigned Banca
Mifel an expected rating on May 4, 2026. For more details see
"Fitch Assigns Banca Mifel's AT1 Notes 'B-(EXP)' Expected Rating".
Key Rating Drivers
Notching from Banca Mifel's VR: The AT1 notes are rated four
notches below Banca Mifel's 'bb' VR, comprising two notches for
loss severity risk, due to deep subordination, and two notches for
incremental non-performance risk, given fully discretionary and
non-cumulative coupon payments.
Poor Recoveries in a Liquidation Scenario: According to Fitch
criteria, the two-notch adjustment for loss severity reflects the
issue's subordinated non-preferred debt status and expected poor
recovery prospects in a liquidation event relative to the bank's
senior debt. The notes will rank subordinated to all senior debt
and subordinated preferred notes, pari passu to all subordinated
non-preferred debt and senior to all classes of capital stock.
Coupon Omission: The two-notch adjustment for non-performance
considers the fully discretionary and non-cumulative coupon payment
and Fitch's view that according to local regulations, interest
deferral will be triggered at relatively high capitalization levels
before a write-down or point of non-viability (PONV) occurs.
The bank has the right to cancel, in whole or in part, interest
payments at any time. Additionally, the coupon payment will be
cancelled if the Mexican regulator classifies Banca Mifel as "Class
II" or below under the Mexican Capitalization Requirements or Early
Warning System. If the Tier 1 capital ratio falls below 5.15% while
the coupon cancellation event is in effect, the notes will be
written down and all outstanding interest will remain cancelled.
Rating Sensitivities
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Negative
Rating Action/Downgrade
- While not Fitch's base case, if the bank's VR is downgraded, the
AT1 would not necessarily be downgraded due to rating compression
under Fitch's current criteria. The criteria allow overall notching
of -3 when the anchor issuer's VR is 'bb-' or lower.
Factors that Could, Individually or Collectively, Lead to Positive
Rating Action/Upgrade
- The AT1 notes would typically be upgraded if Banca Mifel's VR is
upgraded to maintain baseline notching of -4 from the anchor
issuer's VR.
For further information about the drivers and rating sensitivities
for Banca MiIfel's ratings, please see "Fitch Rates Banca Mifel's
IDRs 'BB'; Outlook Positive," published April 17, 2026.
Summary of Financial Adjustments
Fitch's tangible equity calculation excluded prepaid expenses and
other deferred assets from shareholders' equity.
Date of Relevant Committee
03-May-2026
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.
Entity/Debt Rating Prior
----------- ------ -----
Banca Mifel, S.A.,
Institucion de Banca
Multiple, Grupo
Financiero Mifel
junior subordinated LT B- New Rating B-(EXP)
DEL MONTE: Defends Ch. 11 Plan Against Lenders' Objection
---------------------------------------------------------
Ben Zigterman at law360.com reports that Del Monte Foods defended
its Chapter 11 liquidation plan at a confirmation hearing Tuesday,
May 12 in New Jersey, arguing that, despite what a group of lenders
has said, the debtor ran a transparent bankruptcy process that
resulted in three separate sales.
Founded in 1886 and headquartered in Walnut Creek, California, the
Del Monte business has been a cornerstone of American grocery
stores for more than 130 years. Del Monte Foods has been driven by
its mission to nourish families with earth's goodness. As the
original plant-based food company, Del Monte is always innovating
to make nutritious and delicious foods more accessible to consumers
across its portfolio of beloved brands, including Del Monte,
Contadina, College Inn, Kitchen Basics, JOYBA, Take Root Organics
and S&W. On the Web: http://www.delmontefoods.com/or
http://www.joyba.com/
On July 1, 2025, Del Monte Foods Corporation II, Inc. and 17
affiliated debtors filed voluntary petitions for relief under
Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code (Bankr. D.N.J. Lead
Case No. 25-16984) to address $1.235 billion in funded debt
obligations. At the time of the filing, the Debtors listed $1
billion to $10 billion in both assets and liabilities.
Judge Michael B. Kaplan presides over the case.
The Debtors tapped Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer (US), LLP and
Cole Schotz P.C. as legal counsel; Jonathan Goulding, managing
director at Alvarez & Marsal North America, LLC, as chief
restructuring officer; and Stretto, Inc. as claims and noticing
agent.
The U.S. Trustee for Regions 3 and 9 appointed an official
committee to represent unsecured creditors. The committee hired
Morrison & Foerster LLP as counsel; Province, LLC as financial
advisor; Kelley Drye & Warren LLP as co-counsel; and Stifel,
Nicolaus & Co., Inc. as investment banker.
MEXICO REMITTANCES: S&P Affirms 'BB (sf)' Rating on 2024-1 Notes
----------------------------------------------------------------
S&P Global Ratings affirmed its 'BB (sf)' long-term global scale
rating on Mexico Remittances Funding Fiduciary Estate's series
2024-1 notes. S&P also removed the rating from CreditWatch with
negative implications.
Mexico Remittances Funding Fiduciary Estate's series 2024-1 notes
are a future flow transaction backed by Mexican peso-denominated
reimbursement rights arising from money transfer agreements
originated by Nueva Elektra del Milenio S.A. de C.V. (NEM).
The notes are backed by the future flows originated by Nueva
Elektra del Milenio S.A. de C.V. (NEM) related to Mexican
peso-denominated reimbursement rights arising from money transfer
agreements (using the reimbursement mechanism). NEM generates
receivables by acting as the money transmitter payor partner in
Mexico for certain money transfer operators and aggregators outside
the country under the money transfer agreements for delivery of
transmitted money amounts in Mexican pesos to beneficiaries in
Mexico.
S&P said, "The affirmation reflects our current corporate
performance assessment (CPA) which, in turn, reflects our recent
ratings actions on NEM. This rating action reflects our improved
clarity regarding Grupo Elektra S.A.B. de C.V.'s (Grupo Elektra)
strategy to address the Mexican peso (MXN) 25 billion tax
settlement reached with the Mexican tax authority. Although the
agreement entails significant cash outflows, we expect the company
to maintain key credit metrics and liquidity consistent with the
current rating over the next 12 months. Additionally, the company
reported steady operating and financial performance, as well as a
solid cash balance, at the end of the first quarter of 2026. The
negative outlook reflects the potential for a downgrade over the
next six to 12 months if Grupo Elektra's liquidity deteriorates
amid significant cash payments for the tax settlement and upcoming
debt maturities, or if its operating and financial performance
weakens beyond our expectations.
"The performance of a future flow transaction is linked to the
originators' ability to remain in business and willingness to
operate the securitized business for the duration of the
transaction. The CPA determines the possible number of notches of
uplift above our view of the originator's credit quality. Given
that the standalone credit profile (SACP) and issuer credit rating
(ICR) on NEM are at the same level, we use the ICR as the starting
point for determining the CPA. Second, to determine how many
notches of uplift above the ICR could be warranted, we considered
our assessment of NEM's business risk profile (BRP) as fair. Our
BRP reflects NEM's position as a leading retailer in Mexico,
focused on the middle- to low-income segment of the population; its
leading market position in the money transfer business; and its
brand positioning and strengthened customer loyalty through its
synergies with the financial division. Based on our 'B+' ICR on NEM
and fair BRP, our CPA on the notes is two notches above the ICR,
which is equivalent to 'BB (sf)'.
"We will closely monitor developments that could trigger a rating
action on NEM, particularly regarding Grupo Elektra's liquidity
position or any weakening of its operating and financial
performance. A downgrade of Grupo Elektra and consequently of its
core subsidiary, NEM, may result in a downgrade of the series
2024-1 notes."
=====================================
S T . K I T T S A N D N E V I S
=====================================
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS: Economic Growth Slowed in 2025, IMF Says
-------------------------------------------------------------
In concluding the 2026 Article IV consultation with St. Kitts and
Nevis, Executive Directors endorsed staff's appraisal as follows.
The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff
Report prepared for this consultation.
Economic growth slowed in 2025 but is expected to rebound to 2
percent (y/y) in 2026 and strengthen over the medium term. The
projected pickup this year is supported by construction,
agriculture, renewable energy projects, and the continued expansion
of tourism activities, although elevated oil prices associated with
the war in the Middle East would weigh on the economy through their
impact on tourism and transportation sectors. Inflation is expected
to rise moderately to 2.2 percent in 2026, driven by higher global
energy and food prices, before stabilizing over the medium term.
The current account deficit remains wide at 14.6 percent of GDP in
2025, well above the pre-pandemic average. The banking system
remains broadly stable, although vulnerabilities persist.
Geothermal and solar energy projects are advancing steadily.
With Citizenship-by-Investment (CBI) revenue declining further, the
overall fiscal deficit widened to 11.7 percent of GDP in 2025,
public debt edged up closer to the 60 percent of GDP regional
benchmark, and government deposits declined further. Persistently
low CBI revenues are expected to keep deficits elevated in 2026 and
over the medium term, while public debt is projected to continue
rising. Debt sustainability is maintained, but contingent
liabilities from public banks and the Social Security Fund (SSF)
pose significant risks.
Near-term growth risks are tilted to the downside, while inflation
risks are tilted to the upside. Heightened global policy
uncertainty—including related to CBI programs—geopolitical
tensions, and volatility in commodity and financial markets, could
weigh on CBI inflows and tourism, and adversely affect banks’
investment portfolios. Persistently high oil prices could weigh
further on growth and exacerbate inflationary pressures.
Domestically, financial-sector weaknesses and exposure to natural
disasters could pose fiscal risks. On the upside, a successful
energy transition could strengthen medium-term growth.
Executive Board Assessment
Continued fiscal consolidation, supported by a strong fiscal
resilience framework, is critical to stabilize debt, rebuild
buffers, and reduce vulnerability to shocks. Under a moderately
frontloaded consolidation scenario combining expenditure
rationalization and revenue mobilization, public debt would
stabilize at the regional benchmark by 2031 and higher government
deposits would help rebuild buffers. Current expenditure requires
further rationalization, including streamlining goods and services
spending. Policy measures to mitigate the impact of higher oil
prices should be well targeted and timebound. Tax revenue has ample
scope to increase through rolling back Covid-era concessions,
broadening the VAT base, strengthening property taxation,
increasing excises, and improving tax administration.
Formally adopting fiscal rules anchored by the regional debt
benchmark is essential to underpin fiscal consolidation efforts.
This would help the authorities’ ongoing efforts to reduce
reliance on CBI revenues, mitigate fiscal procyclicality, and
strengthen policy credibility. The planned Sovereign Wealth
Resilience Fund is also welcome; its implementation—in line with
IMF TA—would help manage CBI revenue volatility, enhance disaster
resilience, and support long‑term fiscal sustainability.
Parametric reforms to the SSF should proceed without delay to
prevent reserve depletion by 2040.
The banking system remains broadly stable, although vulnerabilities
persist. Capital positions have strengthened and NPL ratios have
continued to decline, while credit growth has remained robust.
Financial sector policies should focus on resolving legacy NPLs,
strengthening provisioning, and further de‑risking investment
portfolios. Comprehensive reform of the Development Bank is
critical to safeguard financial and fiscal stability. The FSRC’s
oversight framework for the non-banking sector should be further
strengthened.
Structural reforms are essential to raise medium-term growth
potential. Priorities include accelerating renewable energy
projects, enhancing the investment climate, and addressing
labor-market skills mismatches. Continued efforts to improve data
adequacy are also important.
*********
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
Hills, Pennsylvania, USA, and Beard Group, Inc., Washington, D.C.,
USA, Marites O. Claro, Joy A. Agravante, Rousel Elaine T.
Fernandez, Julie Anne L. Toledo, Ivy B. Magdadaro, and Peter A.
Chapman, Editors.
Copyright 2026. All rights reserved. ISSN 1529-2746.
This material is copyrighted and any commercial use, resale or
publication in any form (including e-mail forwarding, electronic
re-mailing and photocopying) is strictly prohibited without prior
written permission of the publishers.
Information contained herein is obtained from sources believed to
be reliable, but is not guaranteed.
The TCR Latin America subscription rate is US$775 per half-year,
delivered via e-mail. Additional e-mail subscriptions for members
of the same firm for the term of the initial subscription or
balance thereof are US$25 each. For subscription information,
contact Peter A. Chapman at 215-945-7000.
.
* * * End of Transmission * * *