Is Banco Azteca on the Verge of Bankruptcy or Government Takeover? Growing Concerns Over Financial Instability

Estado de Mexico, Mexico Mar 20, 2025 (Issuewire.com)  - Recent reports suggest that Banco Azteca, the financial institution owned by billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego, is facing severe financial instability, raising significant concerns over its solvency and the potential risks to depositors. Findings reveal alarming levels of insider lending, surging bad debt, lack of a U.S. correspondent banking relationship, and limited external financing, all pointing toward an impending crisis that could endanger the bank’s ability to protect customer funds.

According to Fitch Ratings, Banco Azteca lends 28.2% of its equity to insiders, including Salinas and related entities, rather than focusing on public depositors. Worse, the bank’s bad debt has surged by 47.7%, signaling that many of these loans are going unpaid. In a troubling sign, Banco Azteca’s loan-to-deposit ratio stands at 79%, meaning a large portion of deposits is tied up in risky loans, many linked to businesses connected to Salinas and his family.

These financial red flags, coupled with escalating defaults and a lack of new funding sources, have led critics to warn of an imminent bank run. If depositors attempt to withdraw their funds at once, the bank may lack the liquidity to meet these demands, leaving customers vulnerable to Banco Azteca collapsing.

Regulatory Concerns: Will Mexican Authorities Intervene?

As fears grow, many are questioning whether Mexican authorities will step in to protect the public. Reports suggest that Banco Azteca’s banking license could be revoked, or the bank could face nationalization or closure to avoid further financial damage. Fitch Ratings recently discontinued coverage of the bank after it refused to disclose its financials, adding fuel to the fire of speculation about its true financial state. Many are now asking: What is the bank hiding?

A Personal Bank for Salinas?

There is increasing evidence that Ricardo Salinas is using Banco Azteca as a personal banking tool, rather than managing it as a responsible financial institution. Allegedly, Salinas has diverted funds into his own ventures, with approximately one-third of the bank's loans being made to companies tied to him or his family. These related entities include:

• Nueva Elektra Del Milenio, S.A. de C.V.
• Selabe Motors, S.A. de C.V.
• Grupo Proasa, S.A. de C.V.
• Operadora Salinas y Rocha, S.A. de C.V.
• Grupo Elektrafin, S.A. de C.V.
• Comercializadora de Motos y Garantías CMG, S. de R.L. de C.V.
• Grupo Elektra, S.A.B de C.V.
• Dirección de Administración Central, S.A. de C.V.
• Upax Gs, S.A. de C.V.
• Arrendadora Internacional Azteca, S.A. de C.V.
• Soluciones Estructuradas Fin, S.A. de C.V.
• Geotérmica para el Desarrollo S.A.P.I. de C.V.
• Totalsec, S.A de C.V
• Arocketmx, S.A. de C.V.
• Selabe Diseños, S.A. de C.V.
• Servicios de Asesoria en Medios de Comunicacion GS, S.A. de C.V.
• Círculo de Crédito, S.A. de C.V.
• Seguros Azteca, S.A. de C.V.
• Comercializadora de Motocicletas de Calidad, S.A. de C.V.
• Dialogus Procesos SAPI de C.V.
• Servicios Aéreos Noticios, S.A. de C.V.
• Aerotaxis Metropolitanos, S.A. de C.V.

International Failures: Banco Azteca’s Struggles Abroad

Banco Azteca’s international ventures have already begun to collapse. The Brazilian government has ordered the liquidation of Banco Azteca due to financial mismanagement and regulatory violations. Other countries, including Peru, Argentina, and El Salvador, have seen Banco Azteca shut down operations quietly, amid concerns over its solvency, banking violations, and possible ties to illegal activities.

Tax Evasion and Unpaid Debts: A Deepening Crisis

Adding to the crisis, Banco Azteca’s parent company and Salinas himself are reportedly refusing to pay a debt of approximately USD $5 billion owed to the Mexican tax authorities, further exacerbating the bank’s financial difficulties.

Depositors Beware: The Clock Is Ticking

As Mexican authorities consider intervention, depositors are urged to act quickly. With no clear plan to shore up capital, depositors face the risk of losing access to their funds if the situation worsens.

What Happens Next?

Journalists and investigators must press for full transparency on Banco Azteca’s financials. If Salinas has nothing to hide, why has he refused to disclose the bank’s true financial state? Depositors deserve answers before it’s too late.

Sources – Read the Full Reports & Evidence:

• Fitch Ratings on Banco Azteca’s Instability;
• Moody’s Local on Banco Azteca’s Risky Practices;
• Banco Azteca’s Shutdown in Brazil.

Media Contact

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