By Eliane Portillo

Banking institutions have capital and liquidity to advance in the growth of private sector credit, despite the fact that 2012 is an election year and is expected to grow again at double-digit rate.

Perspective of bank credit to the private sector for 2012 is favorable, and will continue to grow at rates higher than those observed by Gross Domestic Product (GDP), despite being a political year, said Luis Peña KegeL. Globally, will be elections in 12 countries worldwide, or 12 government changes and if they are seen for their production, they are 50% of world GDP, including Mexico. But by having a solid foundation for our country's credit, with activity with small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in corporations, personal loans and housing, it will be possible to move forward, because our country has a low banking level, said Peña Kegel.

Regarding this, Marcos Martinez Gavica, provides for an expansion of its credit portfolio up to 18% in 2012, with more rapid increases (of about 30%) in key sectors such as housing and companies credits.

Gavica Martinez said the Mexican financial system shows a positive trend and that it is part of the story talking about overdue loans.

It is a very healthy system, well capitalized, well provisioned and has been able to accompany the country’s growth, has supported Mexican companies at a time when many countries are facing liquidity problems or solvency of their banks and this has prevented them from supporting economic activity and this has not been the case of Mexico, he said.

The banking industry has said it expects to close 2012 with a portfolio growth of double digits.