Growth with Purpose, A Banks Vision for a Sustainable Costa Rica
Article by: Vice President of Corporate Relations at BAC
Photo Credit: BAC
The economic dynamism that characterizes Guanacaste today is no coincidence. It reflects a combination of factors, including investment, territorial development, and the strengthening of tourism — largely supported by the sustained growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
Within this ecosystem, BAC has taken on a leading role, becoming a strategic ally in delivering prosperity to communities across the country, and since 2023, generating an even greater impact in the province of Guanacaste.
“The BAC business model is built on a clear principle: placing people at the center of our strategy. By using this approach, which is grounded in actively listening to our clients, we came to Guanacaste with the objective of understanding firsthand the needs of its communities, entrepreneurs, SMEs and businesses,” said Laura Moreno, Vice President of Corporate Relations at BAC.
Supporting SMEs to strengthen national prosperity
Micro, small and medium-sized enterprises play a critical role in the country’s business ecosystem, serving as catalysts for employment, innovation and local development. In Guanacaste, they also play an essential role in driving tourism, one of the province’s key economic pillars.
Aware of this reality, BAC has strengthened its support for entrepreneurs and small businesses through advisory programs, ongoing guidance and financing solutions. During 2025, the bank held 23 SME Markets (Mercaditos Pymes), the SME Seminar, the 2025 BAC Positivo Awards, and four SME Seminars outside the Greater Metropolitan Area (GAM) in territories such as Guanacaste, Grecia, Quepos, and Turrialba. Through these initiatives, 4,652 SMEs were strengthened, consolidating the bank’s role as a driver of growth and competitiveness for the national productive sector.
“This effort is also reflected in our financial results. In 2025, BAC achieved 9.30% growth in its loan portfolio, becoming the second-largest bank in the national financial system and the leading private bank. These results reflect the strength of our model and our ability to drive sustainable economic development,” Moreno added.
Digital financial innovation that fosters inclusion
The expansion of the digital ecosystem has been another pillar of the bank’s economic impact. Strategies centered on education, innovation and service have driven a meaningful transformation in how users interact with financial services.
By 2025, BAC reached 1.2 million digital clients, and today 68.5% of its customers use digital channels as their preferred option. In fact, the Banca Móvil (Mobile Banking) app has consolidated its position as the primary and leading channel within the transactional ecosystem.
This progress is particularly relevant in provinces such as Guanacaste, where distances and mobility can present challenges. Digitalization enables entrepreneurs, tourists, workers, and families to manage their transactions more conveniently, thereby driving economic dynamism and financial inclusion.
In addition to expanding its digital channels, since 2023 BAC has made significant efforts in Guanacaste to broaden its physical coverage. Over three years, the bank increased its presence from three branches and business centers, to six locations in El Coco, Tamarindo, Liberia, Nicoya, the surrounding area of Santa Teresa, and most recently, Nosara. It also operates a business center in Solarium, Liberia, providing specialized services and corporate banking services.
The physical network in Guanacaste has also been strengthened with 46 ATMs and 176 Rapibac points, enabling broader coverage and facilitating transactions for residents, businesses and tourists. As a result, the client portfolio in Guanacaste has grown by 18.90%, reflecting increasing demand and trust in the bank.
Comunidades BAC: social development with tangible impact
As part of its triple value strategy—social, economic and environmental—the bank also contributes to progress through the Comunidades BAC program, which promotes the creation of sustainable enterprises managed by local development associations. These initiatives generate income, employment, and well-being for hundreds of families.
To date, eight Comunidades BAC have been inaugurated, two of them located in Liberia and Huacas, Guanacaste.
Today, BAC not only strengthens the national economy; it also fuels the productive and tourism vitality of Guanacaste. Its commitment to innovation, SME support, and community development, positions the institution as a key driver of regional progress.