Banco Nacional will Open Branches to Trade Cepanim Bonds Starting Monday
Starting Monday, June 15, the National Bank of Panama will make specialized negotiation centers available to the beneficiaries of the Negotiable Payment Certificates for Interest on Default (Cepanim). In this first phase of service, the service will be available exclusively in the province of Panama, enabling the following strategic branches: San Fernando, La Exposición, Pedregal, Chepo and Tortí.
Personalized Attention and Next Phases
The bank explained that in each of these offices, beneficiaries will have the support of specialized personnel to expedite the process. The negotiation process, which includes the respective interest rate, will be carried out directly with each interested party, strictly following the terms and conditions set by the financial institution. For beneficiaries residing in the interior of the republic, the National Bank reported in its statement that it will soon announce the opening of service centers in the rest of the country’s provinces, in order to guarantee optimal and quality coverage nationwide.
CEPANIM stands for Certificado de Pago Negociable por Interés por Mora (Negotiable Payment Certificate for Late Payment Interest). It is a government-issued bond in Panama designed to pay out outstanding interest accrued on the withheld second installment of the thirteenth month salary (décimo tercer mes) for public and private sector workers between 1972 and 1983.
The program includes the following features:
- Who receives it: Retirees, pensioners, and eligible heirs of the original beneficiaries of the CEPADEM program.
- Benefits: The certificates have real economic value, are transferable, and are free from taxes and attachment.
- Distribution Schedule: The Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF) distributes these certificates through assigned digital appointments. Delivery begins on June 15, 2026 for the Panama province, and on June 22, 2026 for the rest of the country.
- How to Claim: Beneficiaries must check their appointment date and status on the MEF CEPANIM Portal using their registered credentials.
