Banco Popular leads $425M all-local loan to Metropistas for P3 project
Banco Popular de Puerto Rico is serving as agent bank in a $425 million loan to Metropistas, marking one of the largest infrastructure financings in Puerto Rico led entirely by local financial institutions. The deal supports a major public-private partnership.
The bank says it reflects the growing role of domestic capital in advancing infrastructure and economic development on the island.
“This infrastructure project exemplifies our commitment to progress, innovation and a prosperous future for future generations,” said Eli Sepúlveda, executive vice president of Banco Popular’s Commercial Credit Group. “Our dedication to Puerto Rico and its sustainable development has been unwavering for more than 131 years.”
The transaction was structured through the Puerto Rico Conservation Trust, which acted as the financing vehicle. Popula said this approach enabled local banks to offer more competitive terms than international lenders and helped channel financial resources to Para la Naturaleza, the Trust’s affiliated nonprofit focused on environmental initiatives.
Metropistas CEO Julián Fernández Rodes called the agreement a model of collaboration among the government, private sector and local financial institutions. “This strategic agreement reinforces the company’s commitment to Puerto Rico,” he said, noting the sustained support from banking partners since the project’s early stages.
The initiative is intended to serve as a blueprint for future efforts that align infrastructure investments with environmental stewardship and community development, further integrating sustainable priorities into Puerto Rico’s economic strategy, the bank said.
