BCH Surges 10% as Chile’s Banks Stabilize Earnings Amid Uncertainty

On FEB 6 2026, BCH rose by 10.38% within 24 hours to reach $497.4, BCH dropped by 2.94% within 7 days, dropped by 1.28% within 1 month, and dropped by 16.43% within 1 year.

BCH Gains Short-Term Momentum Amid Stable Earnings from Chilean Banking Leaders

Recent earnings reports from two of Chile’s largest banks, Banco de Chile and Banco Santander-Chile, have highlighted a stable financial landscape despite broader market uncertainty. These results contributed to the sharp 24-hour price increase in BCH, though longer-term trends show a modest decline over the past week and month.

Banco de Chile Posts Resilient 2025 Earnings

Banco de Chile reported its fourth-quarter 2025 earnings on February 5, 2026, with a full-year net income of CLP 1.2 trillion. Operating revenues remained stable at CLP 3 trillion compared to the previous year, and the bank improved its efficiency ratio to 37.4%. The bank maintained a strong market position, securing a 22% industry share in net income and posting a return on average capital of 21.9%. Despite a 0.66% decline in open market trading on the earnings release date, the bank’s leadership in customer income and cost management signals resilience.

Stable Revenues and Strong Capital Position

The bank’s financial highlights included a 4.2% year-on-year increase in customer income and a 3.5% real contraction in operating expenses, reaching CLP 1.1 trillion. Banco de Chile’s CET1 capital ratio stood at 14.5%, and its 2026 guidance targets a return on average capital of 19–21% with an efficiency ratio of 39%. The bank also outlined expectations for 8% growth in corporate loans, 6% in consumer loans, and 5% in mortgages in the coming year.

Santander Chile Misses Earnings Forecasts, Highlights Growth Plans

Banco Santander-Chile reported Q4 2025 earnings the same day, but missed earnings per share expectations. The bank outlined plans for mid to high single-digit fee growth and a dividend payout ratio between 60% and 70%. Executives emphasized a strategic shift toward artificial intelligence and automation to improve efficiency. Despite a challenging economic environment, the bank expressed optimism about a more favorable business outlook in 2026.

Risks and Strategic Focus on Stability

Both banks noted potential challenges posed by macroeconomic factors such as inflation, interest rate fluctuations, and potential regulatory changes under the new government. Banco de Chile highlighted risks from changes in tax policy and short-term loan growth dynamics, while Santander Chile warned of the impact of monetary policy and interest rate caps on profitability.

Executive Confidence in Future Performance

Pablo Mejía, Banco de Chile’s Head of Investor Relations, expressed confidence in the bank’s strategic direction, stressing a focus on customer-centric operations and sustainability. Cristián Vicuña of Santander Chile emphasized the need for continuous innovation to maintain competitiveness in a crowded market. Both banks are leveraging digital expansion and strategic partnerships to drive efficiency and scale.

BCH as a Proxy for Chilean Banking Resilience

Despite the broader decline in BCH over the past year, the 24-hour rebound reflects investor confidence in the underlying strength of Chile’s banking sector. While long-term volatility remains, the stability in earnings and capital metrics from major institutions suggests continued support for the ADR in the coming quarters. Analysts project that the sector’s performance will hinge on Chile’s macroeconomic resilience and the ability of banks to adapt to regulatory and technological shifts.