Despite natural disasters, a global pandemic, and rising local gang violence, D-Miro has remained a pillar of support and strength for the community it serves. The bank has made a meaningful difference in countless lives, providing financial opportunities to those who need them most.

What began as a development project by Mission Alliance in 1997 and became a fully licensed bank in 2011 now holds a loan portfolio of approximately USD 63.2 million and deposits totaling USD 51 million from over 85,000 customers. Since 2011, D-Miro has granted nearly 400,000 loans, fueling economic growth in Ecuador.

Weathering multpile crises

On April 16, 2016, Ecuador was struck by a devastating 7.8-magnitude earthquake. The disaster caused significant loss of life, widespread infrastructure damage, and a long and difficult rebuilding process. Many of the bank’s clients lost everything, making loan repayments impossible.

Two years after the earthquake, D-Miro had approximately 27,000 loan customers—over 10,000 fewer than before the disaster. Still, the bank slowly but steadily rebuilt.. However, another crisis was looming, one that would hit Ecuador especially hard.

Just four years later, the world learned a new word: COVID-19. In Guayaquil, where the bank primarily operates, the streets were lined with bodies. The pandemic brought severe economic challenges, with lockdowns and restrictions shutting down businesses and disrupting livelihoods. Many of the bank’s clients lost their jobs, were furloughed, fell ill, or, in the worst cases, passed away. It was a devastating crisis for them—and a deeply challenging time for the bank, as the entire community was affected.

After the pandemic, D-Miro faced significant financial losses year after year. With so many customers unable to repay their loans—or no longer alive to do so—the bank struggled to recover the funds.

Challenging times - Great potential

Ecuador is now facing a new crisis—this time, an increase in gang violence and crime. As drug cartels battle for territory in open street warfare against the police, it is the poorest and most vulnerable communities that suffer the most. The conflicts unfold in their neighborhoods and business districts, putting both lives and livelihoods at risk.

Despite these immense challenges, D-Miro has weathered each storm—not unscathed, but standing strong with the potential for future growth. Around 2015, Mission Alliance began searching for new owners who could strengthen the bank and provide additional capital. The first attempt to sell D-Miro was halted by the 2016 earthquake, and another near-sale was stopped at the last minute by the pandemic in 2020. Now, at last, the sale has been successfully completed.

Security for Customers

D-Miro is being acquired by Invatlan, a financially strong investment group with ownership in several financial institutions across Latin America. They have clear plans to invest in Banco D-Miro, focusing on growth and expanding financial services. Like Mission Alliance, Invatlan is committed to serving the local community. With the capital needed to endure future crises and make key investments, they are well-positioned to build a resilient and sustainable bank. Most importantly, they will continue to provide security for both borrowers and depositors—ensuring that, even if new challenges arise, D-Miro remains a reliable financial partner for those who need it most.