Latinex reaffirms its commitment to women's economic autonomy in the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality 2026

Panama City, March 4, 2026. The Latin American Stock Exchange (Latinex) celebrated for the ninth consecutive year the Ring the Bell for Gender Equality 2026, a global initiative that brings together more than 100 stock exchanges around the world to promote gender equality from the capital markets.

This initiative is driven internationally by organizations such as UN Women, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) initiative, the World Federation of Exchanges (WFE), the United Nations Global Compact and IDB Invest, along with regional allies such as Sumarse, promoting the strategic role of capital markets in building more inclusive and sustainable economies.

Under the slogan “Rights, justice and action for women’s economic autonomy through the capital market” , the event brought together representatives from the financial sector, multilateral organizations, social organizations and business leaders to reflect on the strategic role of the market in building more inclusive, resilient and sustainable economies.

The ninth edition, organized by Latinex, also had the support of important institutions in the financial sector. Prival participated as a diamond sponsor, while InOn Capital, Banco General, MMG Bank, Global Bank, and Microserfin supported the event as bronze sponsors, reaffirming the private sector's commitment to advancing gender equality and strengthening more inclusive markets.

During her welcoming remarks, Mónica de Chapman, President of the Sustainability Committee and Director of the Board of Directors of Latinex, highlighted:

“Women’s economic autonomy is not just a social goal; it is a prerequisite for a stronger, more competitive, and more resilient market. Equality is not built solely on declarations, but on concrete decisions, metrics, and actions.”

De Chapman also emphasized that Latinex approved and published its Gender Equality Policy, aligned with international standards such as GRI and SASB, as well as with the Sustainable Development Goals, the United Nations Global Compact and the UN Women's Empowerment Principles.

The event featured the participation of Dayanara Salazar Medina, Coordinator of the Program for Panama of the Regional Office for the Americas and the Caribbean of UN Women, who gave the keynote address “10 years of gaps: 2016–2026”, inviting reflection on the progress made and the challenges remaining in terms of economic equality.

The capital market as an enabler of opportunities

On behalf of Olga Cantillo, Executive President of Latinex, Lerzy Batista, Senior Commercial Vice President of the organization, read an institutional message from the executive president, in which she highlighted that the role of the capital market transcends financial intermediation:

“Latinex is not just a trading platform. We are an enabler of opportunities. We facilitate access to financing, connect investors with value-generating projects, and help bring economic growth to more people.”

She emphasized that financial inclusion begins with knowledge, highlighting the impact of the Stock Market Education Program (PEB), which has strengthened the financial literacy of students, young professionals, and new investors. She also mentioned strategic alliances such as Ella Invierte, CAPTA of the Calicanto Foundation, and the Las Claras program of Voces Vitales, which expand opportunities for women in vulnerable situations.

“Closing gaps is not just a matter of fairness. It is a strategic decision for sustainable growth. A more diverse market makes better decisions and generates greater trust,” he stated.

High-impact panel

The event included the panel “Rights. Justice. Action: Women driving equality from finance and the stock market”, moderated by Jan Eskildsen, head of Financial Intermediaries for Central America and Mexico and director of the financial sector at IDB Invest.

The dialogue brought together representatives from the financial sector, civil society and the new generations of the capital market, with the participation of Augusto Arosemena, senior vice president of Legal and Compliance at Global Bank; María Belén Montoto, executive director of Fundación Calicanto; and María Karla Tamayo, finalist of the Stock Sales Pitch competition of the Latinex Stock Market Education Program.

The conversation was structured around three key axes: rights, justice and action, addressing issues such as women's real access to the financial system and the capital market, the link between financial inclusion and economic autonomy, and the need to promote concrete and measurable actions from the financial sector to close gender gaps.

During the panel, it was emphasized that moving towards effective inclusion requires financial education, appropriate financial products, data generation, and partnerships between the financial sector, international organizations, and social organizations, with the goal of expanding economic opportunities for more women.

Voices of strategic allies

The event was supported by international organizations and allies in the financial sector who promote the gender equality agenda in the region.

“Ensuring equal economic opportunities for all is key to boosting business performance and job creation,” said Ivana Fernández Duarte, IFC Regional Manager for Central America. “IFC will continue to support Latinex and the region’s stock exchanges in this priority effort,” she added.

For her part, Karla Mola, Executive Director of Sumarse, emphasized, “Within the framework of Ring the Bell and the commemoration of International Women's Day (March 8), we reaffirm a conviction that guides Sumarse's work: gender equality strengthens the quality of leadership and the sustainability of organizations. Evidence shows that diverse teams make better decisions, innovate more, and manage risks more effectively. When representation in leadership positions is broadened, companies become more robust, adaptable, and competitive. Advancing equality is a long-term strategic decision, key to building resilient organizations and achieving sustainable development for the country.”

A commitment that transcends the symbolic act

The ringing of the bell symbolizes the capital market's commitment to Sustainable Development Goal No. 5: Gender Equality, reaffirming the role of stock exchanges in promoting good governance practices, transparency and sustainability.

By ringing the bell, Latinex reiterated its vision of promoting a transparent, efficient and inclusive capital market that contributes to the economic and social development of Panama and the region.

For more information: www.latinexbolsa.com