Colombia Regulator in Turmoil Over Pension Fund Repatriation

A significant turmoil has engulfed Colombia's financial regulator, with around 30 officials reportedly asked to resign following a disagreement over forcing pension funds to bring back substantial overseas investments. This follows the resignation of the unit's head last week, underscoring the intensity of the dispute.

President Gustavo Petro has consistently voiced concerns about Colombian pension funds investing heavily abroad, advocating for increased domestic investment. The financial watchdog proposed a regulatory change to repatriate approximately $33 billion, a plan that saw disagreement on the timeline, with the Finance Minister pushing for a rapid six-month repatriation.

The Financial Regulation Unit itself flagged potential market, liquidity, and credit risks, alongside adverse effects on pension savers' returns. Despite these warnings, the government urged the continuation of the regulatory process, leaving the ultimate outcome of this significant financial maneuver uncertain.