• During ALIDE’s 56th General Assembly, nine development finance institutions were recognized for transformative initiatives, and Banco Nacional de Costa Rica received the “Bank of the Year 2026” award.

May 21, 2026 – The Latin American Association of Development Financing Institutions (ALIDE) recognized leading development finance institutions (DFIs) from Latin America and the Caribbean for advancing innovative, sustainable and inclusive initiatives during the ALIDE Awards 2026 ceremony, held as part of the 56th Ordinary Meeting of ALIDE’s General Assembly.

The awards highlighted projects aimed at strengthening digital transformation, expanding access to finance, promoting environmental sustainability, and accelerating financial inclusion across the region—reinforcing the strategic role of development banking as a driver of economic and social progress.

This year, nine financial institutions were recognized for high-impact initiatives across categories related to financial innovation, sustainability, technological modernization, and entrepreneurship support.

Innovative projects strengthening sustainable development

In the Financial Products category, Fideicomisos Instituidos en Relación con la Agricultura (FIRA) of Mexico was recognized for “Bursatilización de Cartera con Garantía de Pago Oportuno (GPO)”, an initiative focused on strengthening agri-food and rural financing; and Banco de Desarrollo Empresarial de Colombia S.A. (Bancóldex) was recognized for “Blooming Roots,” a blended finance fund supporting the economic recovery of communities affected by Hurricane Iota.

In the Management and Technological Modernization category, ALIDE recognized Banco Nacional de Fomento (BNF) of Paraguay for “Interconexión BNF-SUACE,” an initiative that streamlines business creation through digital processes and promotes financial inclusion; and Banco Nacional de Obras y Servicios Públicos S.N.C. (Banobras) of Mexico for “Banobras Hoy,” a platform designed to strengthen transparency and access to information on project financing and impact.

In the Information, Technical Assistance and Social Responsibility category, Caja de Ahorros de Panamá received an award for its Financial Education Program, which aims to strengthen financial capabilities and promote responsible financial inclusion.

Sustainability, bioeconomy and financial inclusion

In the ALIDE Verde category, ALIDE recognized Banco de Desarrollo Productivo (BDP) of Bolivia for “Ecoeficiencia BDP,” a platform promoting clean technologies and energy efficiency; and Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social (BNDES) of Brazil for “BNDES Florestas,” an initiative focused on forest restoration, the bioeconomy, and mobilizing private capital for sustainable projects.

In the Support for Women Entrepreneurs category, Banco da Amazônia S.A. (BASA) of Brazil was recognized for “Amazônia Pra Elas,” a program aimed at strengthening the financial and productive inclusion of women entrepreneurs in the Brazilian Amazon.

In the Regional and Extra-Regional Banks category, ALIDE granted recognition to the Agence Française de Développement (AFD) for its “Mecanismo de Análisis y Dictamen de Desarrollo Sostenible (ADDS),” a tool that assesses the economic, social, and environmental impact of financed operations.

Banco Nacional de Costa Rica recognized as Bank of the Year 2026

As part of the ceremony, ALIDE awarded Banco Nacional de Costa Rica (BNCR) the “Bank of the Year 2026” distinction, highlighting its leadership in sustainability, digital transformation, and financial inclusion.

ALIDE also underscored the institution’s financial strength and its commitment to Costa Rica’s productive and social development through programs such as BN Mujer and BN Libertad Financiera, which seek to strengthen financial education and expand access to inclusive financial services.

The ALIDE Awards are among the region’s leading recognitions for development banking in Latin America and the Caribbean. They aim to spotlight initiatives that help address the region’s economic, social and environmental challenges through innovative, sustainable and inclusive financial solutions.

Contact

Communication Unit of ALIDE
Phone: +511-203-5520 |: Ext: 227
comunicaciones@alide.org, comunicaciones2@alide.org