Looking to encourage transformation and creativity during tough economic times, and in celebration of “Entrepreneurship Week,” Banco Popular announced Thursday the launch of the “Popular StartUp” program.
First BanCorp., parent company of FirstBank Puerto Rico, on Monday reported net income of $14.8 million for the third quarter of 2015, or $0.07 per diluted share, compared to a net loss of $34.1 million, or $0.16 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2015 and net income of $23.2 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2014.
Puerto Rico’s two largest banks — Banco Popular and Oriental — confirmed separately on Friday that they’re working to reduce their exposure to risk associated with the island’s government, which they have financed in different capacities over the years.
The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) announced Tuesday it ordered Santander Securities LLC to pay some $4.3 million in restitution to certain customers who were solicited to purchase Puerto Rican Municipal Bonds, or PRMBs.
Although most insurance carriers in Puerto Rico maintain sufficient capital to support lower bond ratings given their adequate capital positions and manageable exposures to the Puerto Rico municipal bond market, there will be circumstances where rating actions may have to be taken, ratings agency A.M. Best said.
The Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association inducted its first two members from Puerto Rico this week during an event led by the organization’s CEO, William Kelly.
First BanCorp, the bank holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico reported Wednesday a net loss of $34.1 million for the second quarter of 2015, or $0.16 per diluted share, compared to net income of $25.6 million, or $0.12 per diluted share, for the first quarter of 2015 and net income of $21.2 million, or $0.11 per diluted share, for the second quarter of 2014.
The Puerto Rico central government is facing pressure to “act with more conviction and with more urgency” to address its dwindling liquidity, crushing debt and anxiety building up over the island’s fiscal problems.
Assured Guaranty Municipal and National Public Finance Guarantee, two bond insurers with exposure to Puerto Rico, recently received AA+ Stable Outlook ratings from Kroll Bond Rating Agency, which gave them favorable grades despite their risk.
Puerto Rico bonds have historically been well-received at issuance as they are triple tax-exempt, offering an alternative to investors that are free from local, state and U.S. federal taxes.
High-ranking Popular Inc. executives were in this city this week to inaugurate the new headquarters for its Popular Community Bank business in North America, with expectations that the operation will generate more than $100 million in revenue over the next two or three years.
The Community Investment Fund, launched last November with an initial $500,000 contribution from its founder, the Puerto Rico Community Foundation, has more than doubled its capital base to $1.1 million in investments from the private sector, the nonprofit announced Thursday.
Although the island’s economy is facing one of its most difficult moments, it is still possible to weather the storm with proper financial planning, executives from Banco Popular’s securities and insurance divisions said Thursday.
First BanCorp., the bank holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico, announced Tuesday it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell a portfolio comprised of mostly non-performing and classified commercial loans and real estate owned totaling $199.8 million of unpaid principal balance, or $150.1 million of book value, for $87.6 million in cash or 43.8 percent of the unpaid principal balance of the assets.
More than 9,000 homeowners in Puerto Rico could save an average of $182 a month, or approximately $2,200 a year, on their mortgage loans as the result of the extension through 2016 of the Home Affordable Refinance Program and the Home Affordable Modification Program, federal authorities said this month.
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