Aloizio Mercadante, the president of Brazil's National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES), highlighted the bank's remarkable performance in the last quarter of 2025. The bank's credit portfolio reached R$ 664 billion, marking its highest level since 2016, with an impressive growth rate of 13.4% in that year. This development is noteworthy as it showcases the bank's recovery and resilience amid Brazil's economic landscape, characterized by high interest rates.

In addition to the growth in the credit portfolio, the funds managed by BNDES have significantly increased to R$ 61 billion, a staggering 281% increase since 2022. The total assets of the bank have also peaked at R$ 961 billion, reflecting a robust financial standing. These figures illustrate the bank's sustained growth and reduced delinquency rates within the broader financial system, signaling a successful strategy in lending despite economic challenges.

Mercadante emphasizes that the recovery of credit is crucial for Brazil's overall economic performance, which has been growing at an average of 3% per year under President Lula's government. The BNDES is portrayed as a pivotal player in this economic strategy, effectively contributing to the revitalization of credit availability and economic growth in the country. This underscores the role of BNDES not only as a financial institution but also as a key agent in supporting Brazil's development initiatives and stability in a challenging economic environment.