Banco de la Nación Argentina
| Company type | Government-owned bank |
|---|---|
| Industry | Banking, Financial services |
| Founded | October 18, 1891 in Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Founder | Carlos Pellegrini |
| Headquarters | Buenos Aires , Argentina |
Area served | Argentina and international offices (Bolivia, Brazil, Cayman Islands, Chile, France, Japan, Panama, Paraguay, Spain, UK, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela) |
Key people | Gabriela Ciganotto (leader since 2006) |
| Products | Commercial and industrial loans, public sector financial operations, UVA-indexed mortgage loans |
Number of employees | 16,719+ (2011) |
Banco de la Nación Argentina (BNA; ) stands as one of the foremost financial institutions in Argentina and holds the distinction of being the largest bank within the national banking industry.
History
Established on 18 October 1891 by then-President Carlos Pellegrini, BNA was created with the purpose of restoring stability to Argentina's financial system following the Panic of 1890. Its inaugural director was Vicente Lorenzo Casares. Initially, the bank primarily financed agricultural smallholders but gradually broadened its scope to include commercial and industrial enterprises, while also handling numerous public sector financial operations.
The institution's standing suffered a setback after a 1994 bribery scandal surfaced, involving illicit payments to its board members connected to the acquisition of computer, software, and communication equipment from IBM, which became a significant political issue.
Services
Operating as a leading domestic lender amid a restrictive credit environment, the bank under Gabriela Ciganotto’s leadership starting in 2006 concentrated on revitalizing local credit availability. The focus was placed on fostering production activities and particularly supporting small and medium-sized enterprises rather than speculative ventures.
By the end of 2006, according to The Banker, BNA ranked 278th worldwide in tier one capital with US$1.623 billion, representing 11% of its deposits. Within Argentina, it remained the largest banking entity; by December 2011, it maintained 626 branches, managed deposits totaling US$30 billion (28% of national deposits), and held a loan portfolio valued at US$15 billion (20% market share domestically). Its credit offerings are less oriented toward consumer or mortgage loans compared to competitors, with approximately one-third of lending directed to the public sector and 80% of the remainder allocated to commercial financing. Additionally, the bank provides a variety of credit options including UVA-indexed mortgage products.
Headquarters
The central office is situated in Buenos Aires’ San Nicolás district on land that previously hosted the original Teatro Colón building, acquired by government authorities in 1888 and converted into the bank’s primary headquarters. Architect Adolfo Büttner adapted this structure in 1910 to accommodate banking operations.
Later, in 1938, Alejandro Bustillo designed an expansive Monumental Neoclassical building inspired by French architectural styles. Constructed over fifteen years from 1940 to 1955 and covering around 100,000 m², this facility also includes the Alejandro Bustillo Art Gallery (founded in 1971) alongside a historic numismatic museum.
Branches
As reported in December 2011, Banco de la Nación Argentina operated a network of 626 branches throughout Argentina and maintained 15 international offices. These foreign locations encompass Santa Cruz de la Sierra (Bolivia); Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo (Brazil); Georgetown (Cayman Islands); Santiago (Chile); Paris; Tokyo; Panama City; Asunción (Paraguay); Madrid; London; New York City; Miami; Montevideo (Uruguay); and Caracas (Venezuela). Additionally, there is a representative office located in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The bank employed approximately 16,519 staff members domestically with over 200 employees abroad.