Banking License · Panama · Regulatory

Panama Banking & Financial Licenses —
Expert Legal
Guidance

Expert legal assistance for Panama banking, fiduciary, securities and insurance licenses. We know the regulatory process from the inside.

Why Góndola & Góndola
  • General and International Banking Licenses
  • Fiduciary license — SBP regulated
  • Investment advisor and securities licenses — SMV
  • Insurance and reinsurance licenses — ASEP
  • Ex-DGI regulatory expertise
  • Full English service for international applicants
Our Expertise

Why Góndola & Góndola

Panama's financial regulatory framework is one of Latin America's most sophisticated. Banking, fiduciary and securities licenses require deep regulatory knowledge and precise application management.

Our founding attorney's background as a former DGI official gives us unique insight into Panama's regulatory processes. We manage license applications from pre-filing through approval.

Ex-DGI Official

Deep insight into Panama's tax authority processes.

Cornell University MPA

Master in Public Administration — law, economics and policy.

Direct partner access

You always deal directly with the attorney handling your case.

Panama Bar No. 17,005

Licensed attorney in the Republic of Panama.

SBP
Banking Regulator
SMV
Securities Regulator
12-18
Months Process
Expertise

"Financial license applications in Panama are won or lost in the preparation phase. We've seen how regulators think — and we structure applications accordingly."

— Lic. José Manuel Góndola Escudero · Idoneidad No. 17,005
License Types

Panama financial licenses
we handle.

General Banking License

Unrestricted banking license for Panama-based and international operations.

International Banking License

Panama banking license for transactions exclusively outside Panama.

Fiduciary License

SBP-regulated license for trust, estate and fiduciary services in Panama.

Investment Advisor License

SMV-regulated license for investment advisory and securities activities.

Insurance License

ASEP-regulated license for insurance and reinsurance operations in Panama.

Payment Service Provider

Regulatory guidance for fintech and payment service providers in Panama.

Application Process

From application
to approval.

01

Pre-Filing Assessment

We assess eligibility, capital requirements, structure and regulatory readiness.

02

Application Preparation

Complete application package: business plan, AML framework, governance structure, KYC documentation.

03

Regulatory Submission

Filing with SBP, SMV or ASEP with full legal representation.

04

Approval and Launch

Regulatory engagement through to license issuance and operational setup.

Who Applies

Our banking license
clients.

International bank establishing Panama subsidiary

Guiding a foreign bank through the complete SBP general banking license process.

Banking License

Family office seeking fiduciary license

Obtaining SBP fiduciary license for a Panama-based family office trust operation.

Fiduciary License

Fintech company — payment services

Advising on emerging payment service provider regulatory framework in Panama.

Fintech
License FAQ

Banking license
questions answered.

What is the minimum capital for a Panama banking license?

General banking license requires US$10 million paid-in capital. International banking license requires US$3 million.

How long does a banking license application take?

Typically 12–18 months from submission to approval, depending on application completeness and regulatory workload.

What is the difference between general and international banking licenses?

A general license allows unrestricted banking in and outside Panama. An international license restricts operations to transactions outside Panama.

What AML framework is required?

A comprehensive AML/CFT program including policies, procedures, compliance officer, training and monitoring system is required before license approval.

Can a foreign bank apply?

Yes. Foreign banks and their subsidiaries regularly apply for Panama banking licenses. We have experience with international applications.

Get in Touch

Start your
banking license application.

Confidential consultation. We assess your eligibility and provide a complete roadmap.

Office

Torre Banesco, P19 · Panamá