Credicorp's Tenpo Granted Chile's First Neobank License, Launching H1 2026

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Tenpo, Credicorp's digital banking unit, secured final CMF authorization on Jan. 20, 2026, becoming Chile's first licensed neobank under the General Banking Law. The license allows checking accounts, consumer loans and term deposits, and over 2.5 million users can upgrade free when operations launch in H1 2026.

1. Robust Share Performance Fuels Momentum Thesis

Over the past 12 months, Credicorp’s shares have climbed approximately 89%, ranking it among the top performers in Latin America’s financial sector. Trading volume has surged by 45% year-over-year, reflecting heightened investor interest. This run-up has been driven by strong earnings surprises in three consecutive quarters, with net income rising 28% in Q3 2025 and 32% in Q4. Technical indicators show the stock trading above both its 50- and 200-day moving averages, suggesting sustained upside potential for momentum investors.

2. Tenpo Licensing Accelerates Digital Banking Expansion

On January 20, 2026, Credicorp’s digital arm in Chile, Tenpo, secured its full banking license from the Comisión para el Mercado Financiero. The approval allows Tenpo to offer checking accounts, consumer loans and term deposits under the country’s General Banking Law. With a user base of over 2.5 million, Tenpo is slated to convert those customers into fully regulated bank clients at no additional cost, reinforcing Credicorp’s push into high-growth digital channels.

3. Diversified Regional Footprint Supports Earnings Resilience

Credicorp operates across Peru, Chile, Colombia, Bolivia, Panama and the United States, balancing cyclical exposures and currency fluctuations. Its Universal Banking line, anchored by BCP and Banco de Crédito de Bolivia, accounts for 55% of consolidated revenues. Microfinance via Mibanco contributes 18%, while Insurance & Pension Funds and Investment Management & Advisory make up the remainder. This portfolio mix helped maintain a 15% return on equity in 2025 despite modest macro headwinds.

4. Capital Position and Credit Quality Remain Solid

As of December 2025, Credicorp held a Common Equity Tier 1 ratio of 13.2%, comfortably above regulatory minima. Loan-loss provisions decreased by 10% year-on-year, driving a non-performing loan ratio down to 2.1%. Liquidity coverage stood at 160%, underscoring ample buffers against market stress. These metrics underpin management’s guidance for mid-teens percentage net income growth in 2026, providing a catalyst for continued share price momentum.

Sources

ZBG