LatAm M&A Slows but Deal Values Rise Amid Bank Moves

This week in finance news: Dealmaking in Latin America slowed in volume but gained momentum in value, while major banks advanced strategic shifts in ownership and technology. BBVA deepened its AI ambitions through a partnership with OpenAI, Citi finalized the sale of a key stake in Banamex, and Mexican regulators revoked licenses linked to Vector following a US probe.

More news below:

Latin America M&A Deals Dip, But Total Value Surges 13%

The Latin American transactional market recorded a total of 2,656 M&A through November, including both announced and closed deals. While the number of transactions fell slightly by 3%, the aggregate value of completed operations rose to MX$1.7 trillion, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period last year, according to a report by TTR Data and Datasite.

BBVA Teams With OpenAI to Drive AI Across Operations

BBVA and OpenAI have partnered to embed artificial intelligence (AI) natively across the bank’s operations, customer experience, and internal processes. The collaboration, the result of nearly two years of joint work and shared investments, gives BBVA preferential access to OpenAI's advanced models, tools, and expert talent.

Mexico’s CNBV Revokes Vector Licenses Following US Probe

The CNBV has revoked the authorization for Vector Casa de Bolsa to organize and operate as a brokerage firm. The regulator also withdrew the license of Vector Fondos, the group’s investment fund operator, following a voluntary request submitted by the institution on Dec. 1, 2025.

Citi Closes Sale of 25% Banamex Stake to Chico Pardo

Citigroup has completed the sale of a 25% stake in Grupo Financiero Banamex to Mexican investor Fernando Chico Pardo and members of his family, finalizing a transaction first announced in September. Chico Pardo acquired approximately 520 million common shares at a price equivalent to 0.8 times Banamex’s book value under Mexican accounting standards. The transaction values the 25% stake at an estimated MX$42 billion, or roughly US$2.3 billion.

Mexico Forecasts 62% Rise in Trade Tax Revenue on New Tariffs

Mexico’s tax revenue from foreign trade is projected to increase by 62% in 2026, driven by the application of higher tariffs on imports of more than 1,400 products from China and other countries that lack a free trade agreement with Mexico. The measure was approved by the Chamber of Deputies early Wednesday morning.