Matías Sternberg: “We are prepared to give other credits, not only for mypes”

The Banco de la Nación clarified that with legislative decree 1526 it is not yet authorized to give credits to mypes, because in granting powers Congress did not approve that aspect, but only gave the green light to strengthening the entity. However, this DL opens the way for the bank to be able to grant these loans, as long as the MEF asks for it, explained Matías Sternberg, general manager of the entity.

What is the objective of DL 1526 for the strengthening and capitalization of the BN?

The capitalization of the bank is due to a desire for modernization. The BN has grown in a very important way, in the last year it has doubled the placement of loans to public employees. They are S/ 200 million to more than S/ 500 million monthly placement. We are developing the payroll discount credit, also the vehicle one, and now closing an agreement with the Mivivienda Fund to give credits for Own Roof. Accompanied by this, we launched the DNI Account a few months ago, with already 2 million Peruvians and with a goal of 12 million at the end of the year. We are trying to authorize processes, reduce queues in branches, install 350 new ATMs and open 25 branches this year. All this investment obviously affects the bank’s balance sheet. Thus, due to the greater needs for growth, we ask the MEF to allow us to capitalize part of the profits so that the global capital ratio is not affected in that we are within the limits established by the SBS.

Does this strengthening open the way for Banco de la Nación to have the capacity to deliver credits to mypes in the future?

The BN follows the instructions of the MEF. If they ask us to start mypes, we have to be prepared to develop that business in the shortest time possible. The Banco de la Nación can develop the mype business, but it is not the decision of the bank to do so, but of the State: the Executive or Congress.

In case the MEF asks the Banco de la Nación to give these credits, would more regulatory changes have to be made or are they already in the capacity to do so?

If the Executive proposes it, and finally the Congress or the MEF give us the indication, we will develop it. It would take us between 15 and 18 months to give the first credit, but it is only developing credit capabilities or technology. We are prepared to give other credits, not only for mypes. If tomorrow they tell me factoring, or that the bank no longer gives loans only to public employees who collect through the BN, but to state employees who collect in other banks, or if they ask me to give them to independent workers… For any order , the bank has to be prepared.

This capitalization helps to fulfill this type of assignment.

Without a doubt, because the more you place, the more capital you need, and the bigger the bank, the more equity support it requires… If at any time we are given the task (to give credits), we are going to have to do it in the best way possible.

In short, does decree 1526 push for other types of credit to be given later, such as mypes?

For any development that the State designates, the fact of having this strengthening law, making agile decisions, strengthening ourselves and capitalizing ourselves as a bank is favorable.

He reported that the goal is to reach 12 million DNI Account users. What’s the plan?

We have two paths. The main expansion tool is going to be a future government bond, if it comes to pass. And in a month and a half we are going to enter a gradual enrollment block, testing with 2 million users and then with 4 million until we reach the goal, starting with beneficiaries of social programs. ❖