CIBanco and Intercam’s Impact on Mexican Banking Sector

Web Editor

July 1, 2025

a building with a sign that says cibanco on it's side and a street in front of it, Carlos Francisco

Introduction

On Thursday, the Mexican National Banking and Securities Commission (CNBV) temporarily intervened CIBanco and Intercam following accusations from the U.S. Department of Treasury linking them to money laundering operations. These two banks account for 1.54% of the total assets in Mexico’s banking sector.

Banks’ Asset Breakdown

According to the CNBV’s data, as of April, CIBanco held assets worth 143.426 billion pesos (0.94% of the total), while Intercam had 92.622 billion pesos (0.61%). This places CIBanco at 21st and Intercam at 25th in the Mexican banking system, which consists of 52 institutions.

By the end of April, the total assets in the sector amounted to 15.3 trillion pesos.

Investments and Credit

CIBanco had investments in financial instruments totaling 64.414 billion pesos, while Intercam held 37.780 billion pesos.

CIBanco’s loan portfolio stood at 16.196 billion pesos, and Intercam’s was 23.341 billion pesos. Combined, the sector’s total credit exceeded 7.7 trillion pesos.

Deposit and Fundraising

CIBanco had 46.125 billion pesos in deposits, and Intercam held 41.493 billion pesos. The sector’s total deposits surpassed 9 trillion pesos.

Relevance and Impact

CIBanco and Intercam are significant players in Mexico’s banking sector, with their combined assets representing 1.54% of the total. Their intervention by the CNBV following U.S. accusations highlights the importance of international cooperation in combating financial crimes.

CIBanco, established in 1988, offers a wide range of financial services, including banking, brokerage, and asset management. Intercam, founded in 1984, provides similar services with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.

Both banks’ operations impact numerous clients, employees, and the broader Mexican economy. Their intervention could lead to increased scrutiny and potential repercussions for their business activities, affecting their ability to provide services and maintain stability.

Key Questions and Answers

  • Q: Who are CIBanco and Intercam? A: CIBanco is a Mexican financial institution offering banking, brokerage, and asset management services. Intercam, founded in 1984, provides similar services with a focus on small and medium-sized enterprises.
  • Q: Why were CIBanco and Intercam intervened by the CNBV? A: The CNBV temporarily intervened CIBanco and Intercam following accusations from the U.S. Department of Treasury linking them to money laundering operations.
  • Q: What percentage of the Mexican banking sector’s assets do CIBanco and Intercam represent? A: Together, CIBanco and Intercam account for 1.54% of the total assets in Mexico’s banking sector.
  • Q: How might the intervention affect CIBanco and Intercam’s operations? A: The intervention could lead to increased scrutiny, potential repercussions for their business activities, and possible disruptions in providing services and maintaining stability.