Credicorp Ltd.’s subsidiary Banco de Crédito del Perú (BCP) announced that it will acquire 100 % of the issued and outstanding shares of Helm Bank USA for USD 180 million, subject to customary price adjustments at closing.
Helm Bank, a Florida‑state‑chartered community bank, reported $1.141 billion in assets and $106.8 million in shareholders’ equity as of September 30, 2025. The acquisition adds a U.S. banking platform with a $1.1 billion balance sheet to Credicorp’s portfolio, giving the group a foothold in a market that serves a growing number of Latin American clients with cross‑border banking needs.
The deal is positioned as a strategic move to deepen Credicorp’s presence in the United States and to leverage Helm Bank’s expertise in serving international clients. By combining Credicorp’s universal banking, insurance, micro‑finance and investment‑management capabilities with Helm Bank’s community focus, the group will be able to offer integrated financial services to Latin American customers whose financial lives span Peru and the United States.
Credicorp’s management said the transaction will be financed through a mix of cash and debt, although specific financing terms have not been disclosed. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals in both the United States and Peru, and it is expected to close once those approvals are obtained.
Gianfranco Ferrari, CEO of Credicorp, said the acquisition “allows us to deepen our ability to serve Latin Americans whose financial lives span both their home countries and the United States. We believe that Helm Bank’s legacy as a community‑focused institution combined with its expertise in serving international clients aligns perfectly with our strategy.” Mark Crisp, President and CEO of Helm Bank, added that “Partnering with Credicorp is a natural evolution for Helm Bank. Credicorp’s financial strength, trusted reputation and client‑centric philosophy provide a solid foundation for our next chapter.”
Credicorp’s financial health has been strong, with a net margin of 27.74 % and a return on equity of 18.51 % in recent periods. The acquisition follows the company’s earlier purchase of a 50 % stake in a joint venture with Empresas Banmédica in March 2025, and it comes as the Romero family’s leadership transition approaches, with Dionisio Romero Paoletti set to retire at the end of December 2025. The deal positions Credicorp to capture growth in the U.S. market while reinforcing its cross‑border capabilities and strengthening its competitive position in the Latin American banking sector.
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