VOICES FROM THE SECTOR: FINANCE
What kinds of solutions can you provide to Costa Ricans interested in accessing international markets?
We enable Costa Ricans to buy any asset from the US or around the world through us. A few years ago, we started designing portfolios according to the client's risk profile. We have business relationships with international banks, allowing our clients to open accounts outside of Costa Rica.
What can Mercado de Valores do to educate Costa Ricans regarding investing in international markets?
We have our global mutual fund as well as two other funds that give us the opportunity to reach the general public, leaving behind the misconception that a large sum of money is needed to invest. The key is to educate people about the market and the importance of saving. Therefore, we have been publishing educational material and interviews with economists online.
How can Mercado de Valores channel international investment into Costa Rican companies?
Although several opportunities are emerging, we do not have a structured system in place, but it is in process. There is growing interest among international investors for funds related to green energy, so our best bet is for Costa Rica's renewables sector to grow, because it is the industry of the future.
What have been the niches in which the SAMA group continues to grow?
For 30 years, the company has had the vision of working in the local market as well as the international market. Our idea is to do things differently, be it fixed income or different investment products, which has been one of the differentiating points of the group since its establishment. The group has specialized in the international market and has been hand-in-hand with international operators. We have a team of financial analysts who are well connected with new investments, processes, and products.
How do you increase the portfolio of solutions for your clients and what kind of markets do they promote the most?
Mainly, we are strong on fixed Latin American sale. Nevertheless, we have open contracts with the biggest investment banks, not only in the US but also in Europe. In this way, we have access to the vast range of products available in the international market. We have a select portfolio of long-standing customers who push us to increase our set of services. Another element is information, both for the client to make decisions and to permanently monitor investments. Equally important, our analysis unit elaborates an opinion which provides an added value that we give to investors.
VOICES FROM THE SECTOR: FINANCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Interview
Eduardo Ferrer Mac-Gregor Poisot , President & Chief Judge, Interamerican Court of Human Rights (IACHR)
Costa Rica is the go-to country for international institutions looking to set up base in the Americas because of its vocation for peace and commitment to human rights, democracy, and environmental sustainability.
read articleInterview
Pedro Beirute Prada, CEO, Export Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER)
Costa Rica has FTAs with countries that represent two-thirds of global GDP. Throwing mega infrastructure projects and bigger roles for PROCOMER into the mix is strengthening its case as a base for exporters and manufacturers.
read articleInterview
Tomas Soley , Superintendent, General Insurance Superintendence (SUGESE)
The success of the insurance sector can largely be credited to SUGESE, which has put the market's focus back on the consumer by educating the market that lower consumer confidence leads to slower development.
read articleFocus: Decarbonization 2050
Decarbonization at its Core
Already a leader in the fight against climate change and in the promotion of clean energy sources, Costa Rica is further strengthening its efforts toward becoming carbon neutral by 2021 and goes further by aiming for the decarbonization of its economy in the present century.
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