BROU Bank in Uruguay
Uruguay Smart Estate
- #Market
Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay (BROU) is the country’s largest and systemically important bank. It is a state bank wholly owned by Uruguay and plays a key role in the economy, financial stability and daily life of citizens and businesses.
You can open an account there using your valid passport.
Role and scale
BROU is the undisputed leader of Uruguay’s banking sector. It accounts for about 45% of all deposits and nearly 30% of the country’s banking system loan portfolio. In effect, every second deposit in Uruguay is held at BROU, making it a central element of the financial infrastructure.
As of 2025, the bank’s assets are estimated at about USD 25 billion and its equity at around USD 3 billion. For Uruguay’s small, open economy, these are very significant figures, underlining the bank’s systemic importance.
Reliability and ratings
BROU’s financial stability is confirmed by international rating agencies.
Moody’s assigns the bank a Baa1 rating with a stable outlook, corresponding to investment grade. Such a rating reflects:
- a high likelihood of state support,
- a stable deposit base,
- a conservative risk-management model,
- the bank’s key role in the country’s economy.
The market sees BROU not merely as a commercial bank, but as an institution directly linked to Uruguay’s overall financial stability.
Network of branches and ATMs
One of BROU’s key advantages is its physical presence throughout the country.
- About 124 branches operate in every Uruguayan department, from Montevideo to the smallest towns and rural areas.
- Around 470 of its own ATMs provide access to cash and basic transactions 24/7.
For a country with low population density and a large territory, this is a critically important factor. BROU effectively performs not only a commercial but also a social function, providing banking access where private banks are often not represented.
In addition, BROU cards (RedBROU) are connected to international networks, giving access to hundreds of thousands of ATMs worldwide.
Services for individuals
For individuals, BROU offers a full range of basic banking, savings and investment services, namely:
Accounts and payments
- Current and savings accounts in pesos and US dollars.
- Online banking and the eBROU mobile app
Cards and everyday payments
- RedBROU debit cards supported by a broad ATM network and a well-developed card-acquiring system
Savings and investments
Fixed-term deposits (plazos fijos) in pesos and dollars offer the opportunity to earn up to 10% per year in Uruguayan pesos.
BROU is not simply the country’s largest bank, but Uruguay’s financial foundation. Its dominant market share, investment-grade rating, strong capitalisation and the widest branch network make it one of South America’s most reliable banks.
For people considering Uruguay as a place to live, do business or hold capital long term, understanding BROU’s role is an important part of the overall picture of the country’s financial system.
BROU website