...Evolving Risk Management Controls: Banco de los Trabajadores (Bantrab, or the bank) has improved its risk controls by strengthening its internal management control framework. The bank's plans to invest in technology should provide a robust capacity for further growth. Additionally, Fitch Ratings expects that this will bring Bantrab's risk management practices closer to that of its higher rated domestic peers. Solid Capitalization: The bank's growth prospects are also buttressed by solid capitalization, which compares favorably with the industry average and its main competitors. As of December 2017, its Fitch Core Capital ratio is 15.1%, which compares favorably with the Guatemalan banking system and most of its competitors. Sound Profitability: Bantrab's profitability is sound, based on a high net interest margin, acceptable operational efficiency and moderate loan loss provisions. As of YE17, operating ROAA and operating ROAE were 2.9% and 28.8% against the industry's 1.5% and 16.4%, respectively....
