What Happened
The Board of Directors of the Asociación Bancaria de Panamá has expressed its grief over the death of Luis Horacio Moreno Tejeira, a longtime leader in Panama’s financial sector and a prominent figure in the country’s institutional life. He died in Panama City on April 9, 2026.
In a formal resolution adopted in an extraordinary session, the banking association highlighted Moreno Tejeira’s role in the development and reputation of Panama’s international banking center, describing him as a key figure in the growth of the country’s financial system.
A Career in Banking and Public Service
Moreno Tejeira served as president of the association’s board during the 1976-1977 and 1977-1978 periods, leading the sector during a critical stage in its history. He also held senior positions in Panama and abroad, including general manager of Chase Manhattan Bank in Panama.
His career extended beyond private banking. He represented Panama before major multilateral institutions such as the World Bank, the Inter-American Development Bank and the International Monetary Fund, placing him at the center of economic and financial dialogue tied to the country’s development.
The association also pointed to his work at Banco Nacional de Panamá during the reconstruction period that followed the invasion that ended the military dictatorship. In that role, he oversaw efforts to restore the bank’s stability, strengthen public confidence in the financial system and support the government’s solvency.
Academic and Civic Legacy
Beyond banking, Moreno Tejeira was recognized as a teacher and intellectual who influenced generations of professionals. The association said he helped shape students through university teaching and contributed to ethical reflection in public life.
He also founded and led the Fundación Panameña de Ética y Civismo, reinforcing a public reputation built on civic responsibility, ethics and democratic values. His written work was described as an important part of that legacy, expanding his influence beyond the financial sector into national debate on citizenship and conduct in public life.
Recognition from the Banking Sector
In 2023, the Asociación Bancaria de Panamá awarded Moreno Tejeira the Orden al Mérito René Orillac, its highest honor for bankers whose careers reflect leadership, excellence and integrity. The recognition underscored his standing within the industry and his long service to Panama’s banking sector.
With his death, the association said Panama loses one of its most distinguished citizens and a figure whose example will continue to serve as a reference for the country’s financial and civic institutions.