In the captial, the Centro Nacional de Ferias y Convenciones (CNFC - pronounced Cenafco by Providencians) stands out as the largest and most modern convention center. Its grand hall can accommodate thousands of exhibitors and dozens of simultaneous meetings, while offering organizers advanced security measure and traffic flow control. Among its busy schedule of commercial exhibitions, trade shows and professional conventions, it is notable for hosting the annual Providencia International Comic-Con, one of the largest such events in the region. The convention center can also accommodate many smaller meetings and events simultaneously.

The city of San Andres, just to the north, offers its own Centro Internacional de Ferias y Convenciones (CIFC - pronounced Cifco by the locals) - a smaller version of CNFC. However, it is more notable for the Plaza Real Internacional Centro de Convenciones - a smaller venue that makes up for its lack of size with outstanding modern conveniences and opulence, as well as its dramatic 180 degree ocean views. Situated on the shoreline as part of the Gran Internacional Hotel, the center boasts outdoor venues on three levels overlooking the ocean. Its exclusivity also provides a high degree of discretion. Those wishing a full-service meeting center out of the public eye, can opt to stay in several suites located within the convention center and offering direct access to several small and one large meeting hall on the top floor. Mirrored windows allow participants a 360 degree view while preventing outside observation.

Those seeking even greater privacy, and a bit of history, may wish to consider the Palacio Hermosa, the former residence of the Spanish colonial governor of Isla Hermosa, the second largest island in the island group making up Providencia y San Andres. When the Spanish colonial government fell, the capital of Isla Hermosa relocated from the surrounding of the Palacio to a newly constructed town 12 miles away. After laying in ruin for decades, the Palace was restored to its former glory in the early 20th century by the Royal Family. It was transferred to the government in the 1960s and reopened as an exclusive resort and convention center 10 years ago. The Palace provides discrete accommodations for up 40 guests and offers a range of small and medium-sized meeting rooms, all with modern facilities. With security provided by the Royal Government, private docks and a private heliport, the privacy of guests is guaranteed.

The Ten Families

The Group of Ten Conglomerates

Banks and financial institutions in Providencia y San Andres are regulated by the Ministry of Hacienda through the Instituto Real de la Administración del Sistema Financiero. The IRASF charters banks and credit unions, and audits the accounts of banks, credit unions and investment brokerages. It also regulates the nation’s stock market.

While IRASF is known to require banks and brokerages to keep scrupulous records of their holdings, individual banks and brokerages are permitted to shield the identity of offshore account holders through the use of numbered accounts and, more recently, blockchain transactions. Domestic investors and banking customers are separately regulated by Hacienda’s Inspección Fiscal Real and its Policia Fiscal.

Within Providencia y San Andres most individuals do their banking through royal-chartered credit unions or rural community banks owned jointly by the Ministries of Hacienda and National Development. Although known as “rural” community banks, many of these small savings and loan institutions are actually located in poor urban areas known as “colonias”.

Leading OffShore Banks in Providencia y San Andres

Banco Comercial de San Andrés (commonly known as BanComer SA)
Banco Nacional de Providencia (commonly as known as BNP)
Banco de Inversiones de Providencia
Banco Atlántico Occidental
Banco Privado de San Andrés
Banco Real de la Providencia (not to be confused with Banco Real del Reino Unido de Providencia y San Andrés, which is the Central Bank)
Banco Comercial de Santa Tecla (commonly known as Santa Tecla BanComer)