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Credit extended to businesses by private banks, members of the Asociación Bancaria Salvadoreña (ABANSA) reached US$9,761.2 million as of september 2026, marking a year-on-year growth of 15.1%. This financing accounts for 51.5% of the total loan portfolio within the private banking system, establishing itself as a significant portion of the capital deployed into the Salvadoran economy.
According to data provided by ABANSA, the services, commerce, and construction sectors saw the largest increases in business financing. These sectors experienced growth both in the total value of extended credit and in the demand for capital to support ongoing operations, business expansion, and the execution of new projects.
The services sector led this growth, with a credit balance of US$1,823.9 million 30% year-on-year increase. This represents an additional US$421 million compared to the same period the previous year, making it the sector with the largest growth in both percentage and absolute terms among those highlighted by the association.
In second place was the commerce sector, which recorded 14.5% growth, with an additional US$401.8 million in financing compared to september 2025. The capital allocated to this sector enables businesses to address needs such as purchasing inventory, securing product supplies, and expanding commercial operations.
Meanwhile, credit for the construction sector rose by 19.6%, with an additional US$226.5 million compared to the same period in 2025. This financing is vital for the development of real estate projects, infrastructure works, and other sector-related activities, which in turn drive demand for materials, equipment, and specialized services.
Financing drives productive activities
ABANSA highlighted that business credit has an impact that extends beyond the companies receiving the funds, as it helps to stimulate various economic activities. When a company secures financing to expand its operations or undertake new projects, it can also generate demand for input, lead to the hiring of personnel, and create opportunities for its suppliers.
In the construction sector, for example, the development of projects requires materials, machinery, transportation, and labor. Meanwhile, the commerce sector relies on products, warehousing, distribution, and logistics services to sustain its operations—all of which drive economic activity across different areas.
With a balance of US$9,761.2 million and a year-on-year growth rate of 15.1%, business credit accounts for more than half of the total loan portfolio of ABANSA’s member banks. These figures reflect the role of bank financing in the development of productive sectors, particularly in services, commerce, and construction.
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