Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S. A. (NYSE:BLX) Q1 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

And that’s where we see our true competitions is perhaps even more capital markets than other international banks or even local banks. But I’m going to let Sam.Samuel Canineu Yes. Sure. Well, I think the good news about the current environment is that in our business model, I think over the years, there’s always a country which we’re present there is facing what, let’s say, the rest of the globe is facing right now. So there’s nothing new on how we operate. And this is part of our selection criteria for client sectors, countries in the moment that we enter, the moment we exit as well as the average life of our book. So with that said, of course, right now, we see in the region, the combination of recessionary environment and high interest rates.Of course sectors, there are certain sectors like retail that among others that are suffering more, we have no exposure to this sector and therefore, we’re not really seeing an issue.

I think we stress a lot, particularly when we go to medium-term, we stress a lot interest cover ratios as well as debt leverage ratios. So whatever is more, let’s say permanent financing or long-term financing, our book is very healthy and all of our clients should sustain the current environment without a problem. I think, of course, that’s also – I’d like to also focus on the opportunity that this brings us because right now, when we see a lot of banks in the market more with concerns over the portfolio, we can focus on really healthy companies that have seen – good companies that have seen a drop in liquidity from banks will have to worry about problem loans and that gives an ability to step in and add great clients. So I think this is, again, not positive for us.

Thank you.Operator Okay. Thank you. Thank you very much. That’s all the questions we have timed for today. I’ll pass the line back to the Bladex team for their concluding remarks.Jorge Salas I just want to thank everybody for your very good questions. We are optimistic about the future and the execution of our plan, and we are confident that this positive trend will continue going forward. Thank you very much.Operator Thank you very much. This concludes today’s conference call. We’ll now be closing all the lines. Thank you very much and goodbye.