Renewed Scrutiny Over Banco Azteca as Brazil's Forced Shutdown Resurfaces Amid Financial Turmoil

MEXICO CITY - June 24, 2025 - PRLog -- In January 2016, Brazil's Central Bank ordered the forced liquidation of Banco Azteca do Brasil, citing regulatory deficiencies and financial unviability. Bloomberg's headline at the time was clear: "Elektra to Close Banco Azteca After Government of Brazil Orders Liquidation." Nearly a decade later, the episode has reemerged as a key warning sign amid Grupo Elektra's ongoing financial decline and mounting scrutiny by Mexican regulators.

This was not a strategic exit from Brazil but rather a regulatory crackdown that forced Ricardo Salinas Pliego to abandon the country. Reports from Reuters and Banking Gateway confirmed that the bank had failed to meet minimum capital and compliance requirements, prompting its abrupt shutdown.

New Regulatory Blow in Mexico
In April 2025, President Claudia Sheinbaum officially barred Banco Azteca from continuing to process federal tax payments, citing irregular handling of public funds and lack of transparency. "No more banks that play games with the people's money," she declared.

Meanwhile, Grupo Elektra has come under renewed scrutiny following revelations of massive financial instability. The company posted losses exceeding 40 billion pesos, triggering alarm across the financial sector. Investor confidence continues to erode, with Elektra's stock suffering sustained losses on the Mexican Stock Exchange in late 2024.

Warning Signs Ignored for Too Long?
The closure of Banco Azteca in Brazil, once brushed aside as a localized failure, now appears emblematic of broader structural weaknesses across Grupo Salinas. With repeated accusations of regulatory noncompliance, murky financial practices, and operational opacity, observers are increasingly questioning the viability of Banco Azteca's operations in Mexico.

Justicia Empresarial calls on the CNBV, SAT, and Bank of Mexico to take urgent action. An in-depth investigation into Banco Azteca's solvency, handling of customer deposits, and legal compliance is no longer optional. Brazil's forced liquidation should serve as a precedent—Mexico's regulators must act decisively before a similar breakdown occurs domestically.

Critics are now asking whether Banco Azteca in Mexico could suffer a similar fate. While a domestic shutdown remains unlikely, financial analysts and consumer advocates have for years warned depositors to withdraw their funds due to mounting concerns over a possible government intervention or collapse.

Sources for Reference:

Bloomberg – Elektra to Close Banco Azteca After Brazil Orders Liquidation (2016):
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-01-08/brazil-central-bank-orders-liquidation-of-salinas-s-banco-azteca

Reuters – Brazil shutters local unit of Mexico's Banco Azteca (2016):
https://www.reuters.com/article/brazil-cenbank-liquidation-banco-azteca/update-1-brazil-shutters-local-unit-of-mexicos-banco-azteca-idUKL1N14S29Z20160108/

Banking Gateway – Grupo Elektra to Close Banco Azteca's Operations in Brazil (2016):
https://www.banking-gateway.com/news/grupo-elektra-to-close-banco-aztecas-operations-in-brazil-110116-4772894/

El Imparcial – Claudia Sheinbaum blocks Banco Azteca from federal tax services (2025):
https://www.elimparcial.com/mexico/2025/04/15/otro-golpe-para-ricardo-salinas-pliego-claudia-sheinbaum-confirma-que-banco-azteca-y-otros-bancos-privados-ya-no-pueden-ofrecer-servicio-de-cobro-de-impuestos-porque-jineteaban-el-dinero/

OEM – Banco Azteca lost 40 billion pesos (2025):
https://oem.com.mx/elsoldemexico/finanzas/banco-azteca-perdio-40-mil-mdp-23039604

Informador – Elektra collapses on the stock market, should you withdraw your funds? (2024):
https://www.informador.mx/mexico/Elektra-se-desploma-en-la-bolsa-debes-sacar-tu-dinero-Banco-Azteca-20241206-0117.html

Sin Línea MX – Banco Azteca's massive losses and negative campaign (2025):
https://sinlineamx.com/banco-azteca-perdio-40-mil-mdp-campana-negra/