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In an environment where trust has become the most valuable asset for the business sector, El Salvador today recognizes companies that build it through actions, ethics, and purpose.
For the second year in a row, Bancoagrícola holds the top spot in the MERCO Companies 2026 ranking in El Salvador, recognized as the company with the best reputation in the country. This achievement is complemented by a first-place ranking in MERCO ESG Responsibility 2026, a position it has held for three consecutive years, recognizing it as the company demonstrating the highest level of environmental, social, and corporate governance responsibility in the country.
These results reflect the consistency of a management approach that has maintained the trust and appreciation of its various stakeholders, characterized by a close, responsible style focused on creating value for salvadorans.
“For Bancoagrícola, these accolades represent an appreciation of work-built day by day and reflect the trust placed in us by our various stakeholders. They motivate us to continue strengthening a management approach that is close, consistent, and responsible, one that generates value for our customers, employees, and communities, and contributes to the country’s sustainable development”, said Carmen María Contreras, director of Marketing, Reputation, and Sustainability at Bancoagrícola.
Recognition backed by a multi-stakeholder assessment
Merco (Monitor Empresarial de Reputación Corporativa) is one of the leading corporate reputation monitors in Ibero-America. Since 2000, it has measured and recognized corporate reputation based on the perceptions of key stakeholders and objective performance indicators.
Its methodology combines various information sources and perspectives to evaluate corporate reputation. Furthermore, Merco is the world’s first audited reputation monitor. Its preparation process and results undergo independent review by KPMG in accordance with the ISAE 3000 standard, and the corresponding report is published for each edition.
For the 2026 edition of MERCO Companies in El Salvador, the process involved over 1,200 surveys across various stakeholder groups, including executives from large companies, university professors, journalists, financial analysts, labor organizations, NGOs, public sector representatives, and consumers. The evaluation also incorporated an analysis of the companies’ digital reputations and a benchmarking of objective indicators, in accordance with criteria established by Merco.
“This is a source of pride for the entire Bancoagrícola team and represents added value. Reputation is a company’s social capital. This ranking is the culmination of a five-month process, and Bancoagrícola has earned its place there through merit, following a rigorous evaluation”, noted José María San Segundo, CEO of MERCO.
This recognition builds upon the results Bancoagrícola achieved in previous editions of the MERCO ranking. In 2024, the institution ranked among the top three companies in the country for reputation, while also taking first place in the financial sector and leading the ranking for ESG responsibility. In 2025, Bancoagrícola reached the top spot in the general ranking for the first time; in the 2026 edition, it has maintained this position for the second consecutive year while also leading the ESG Responsibility ranking for the third time.
“Reputation is built through decisions, results, and above all the way an organization honors its commitments over time. The fact that Bancoagrícola is recognized for the second consecutive year as the company with the best reputation in the country, and once again leads the ESG Responsibility ranking, confirms that consistency matters. It drives us to continue contributing to the growth and development of El Salvador”, said Rafael Barraza, executive president of Bancoagrícola.
Sustainable development for the well-being of all
Regarding sustainable development, between 2020 and 2025, Bancoagrícola mobilized over US$7.9 billion through “Negocios con Propósito” a strategic line dedicated to financing projects with social, environmental, and economic impact. This is complemented by a sustainable financing portfolio exceeding US$1.25 billion, which expands opportunities to drive initiatives linked to sustainable development.
The institution has also strengthened access to productive financing. In 2025, IDB Invest approved US$150 million in financing for sustainable projects, while the IFC disbursed another US$150 million to bolster financing for MSMEs, thereby expanding opportunities for small businesses and individuals over the age of 50.
This approach is complemented by initiatives focused on energy efficiency and environmental management. Since 2021, Bancoagrícola has operated facilities that utilize solar energy and continues to integrate sustainability criteria into its operations and financial solutions.
Bancoagrícola has over 1,800 service points across the country, alongside digital solutions that facilitate access to financial services for individuals and businesses in various regions.
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