BANKS OF URUGUAY

Role and Scale

BROU is the undisputed leader of Uruguay’s banking sector. It accounts for approximately 45% of all deposits and nearly 30% of the banking system’s total loan portfolio. In practical terms, every second deposit in Uruguay is held with BROU, making it a central pillar of the country’s financial infrastructure.
As of 2025, the bank’s assets are estimated at around USD 25 billion, with equity of approximately USD 3 billion. For Uruguay’s relatively small and open economy, these are highly significant figures that clearly underscore the bank’s systemic importance.

Reliability and Credit Ratings

BROU’s financial strength is confirmed by international rating agencies.
Moody’s assigns the bank a Baa1 rating with a stable outlook, which corresponds to investment-grade status. This rating reflects:

• a high likelihood of government support,
• a strong and stable deposit base,
• a conservative risk management model,
• the bank’s key role in the national economy.

The market views BROU not merely as a commercial bank, but as an institution directly linked to Uruguay’s overall financial stability.

Branch and ATM Network

One of BROU’s main advantages is its nationwide physical presence.

• Around 124 branches operate across all departments of Uruguay — from Montevideo to small towns and rural areas.
• Approximately 470 proprietary ATMs provide 24/7 access to cash and basic banking services.

For a country with low population density and a large geographic footprint, this is a critical factor. BROU effectively plays not only a commercial role, but also a social one, ensuring access to banking services in areas where private banks are often absent.
In addition, BROU cards (RedBROU) are connected to international payment networks, providing access to hundreds of thousands of ATMs worldwide.

Services for Individuals

For retail clients, BROU offers a full range of core and savings-oriented banking services, including:

• Accounts and Payments (Checking and savings accounts in Uruguayan pesos and U.S. dollars)
• Online banking and the eBROU mobile app
• Cards and Everyday Payments (RedBROU debit cards, supported by an extensive ATM network and a well-developed acquiring system)
• Savings and Investments (Fixed-term deposits in pesos and U.S. dollars, with the potential to earn up to 10% annually in Uruguayan pesos)

BROU is not just the country’s largest bank — it is the financial backbone of Uruguay. Its dominant market share, investment-grade rating, strong capitalization, and the widest branch network make it one of the most reliable banks in South America.
For those considering Uruguay as a place to live, do business, or store capital over the long term, understanding the role of BROU is an essential part of the broader picture of the country’s financial system.