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2026 Costa Rica Global Money Week

GMW NATIONAL COORDINATOR:

  • Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC)

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • MEIC, Conassif,Banco Credomatic, Ministerio de Educación Pública, Banco Popular, Banco Promérica, Banco Davivienda, Banco de Costa Rica, CoopeAnde N°1, Coocique, Grupo Mutual, Banco Central de Costa Rica, Oficina del Consumidor Financiero, Sugef, Sugeval, Supen, Sugese, Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica, Municipalidad de Moravia, Colegio Técnico Profesional Bolívar, Colegio Técnico Profesional Carrizal, Colegio Técnico Profesional INVU Las Cañas, Colegio Técnico Profesional de Pavas, Colegio Técnico Profesional de San Carlos, Colegio Técnico Profesional Roberto Evans Sanders, Colegio Técnico Profesional San Carlos, Colegio Técnico Profesional Santa Eulalia, Escuela La Isla, Escuela Los Sitios, Escuela San Blas and Saint Andrew School

TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • 38

NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 4 318

NUMBER OF ADULTS REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 141

NUMBER OF PEOPLE REACHED INDIRECTLY:

  • 1 225

For Global Money Week 2026, Conassif and the Financial Superintendencies (Sugef, Sugeval, Supen and Sugese) reinforced their collaborative efforts by joining forces once again with the Numismatic Museum of the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) and the Municipality of Moravia to provide an enriching curriculum. A significant enhancement this year was the active incorporation of the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR), which enabled the programme to reach a substantially larger number of children and young people from rural areas and socially vulnerable backgrounds.

The participating school groups experienced an unforgettable educational journey during their visit to the Central Bank of Costa Rica (BCCR) and its renowned Numismatic Museum, made possible through the valuable collaboration of the Municipality of Moravia. In this enriching setting, students learnt about the historical evolution of money in Costa Rica, from the ancient barter system that used cacao beans as a medium of exchange to the modern digital era. Today, digitalization plays a predominant role, allowing individuals to carry out financial transactions quickly, securely, and conveniently through their mobile phones.

As part of the visit, the students actively participated in an interactive workshop. They designed and created their own security seals for banknotes and crafted personalised piggy banks. These hands-on activities helped them set and achieve both individual and group savings goals, promoting a practical approach to financial responsibility.

Students from technical and professional high schools received comprehensive and in-depth training on the functioning of the National Financial System. The programme began with a detailed study of the Central Bank of Costa Rica and its essential role in safeguarding the financial stability of the national economy. A key component was a thorough explanation of the National Electronic Payment System (SINPE). SINPE is Costa Rica’s official real-time electronic payment platform, developed and operated by the Central Bank. It enables instant money transfers between accounts in different financial institutions using a simple mobile phone number, IBAN code, or email address. Students learnt how to use SINPE Móvil safely and efficiently for daily transactions such as payments, transfers, and purchases. They also understood its contribution to building a more modern, inclusive, and less cash-dependent financial system in the country. Additionally, participants were taught how to identify the security features on Costa Rican banknotes to effectively detect counterfeit currency.

The students also gained a clear understanding of the Conassif. Conassif is the highest collegiate governing body responsible for the regulation and supervision of Costa Rica’s entire financial system. Established to provide uniformity and integration in regulatory and supervisory activities, CONASSIF oversees and coordinates the work of the four specialized superintendencies: Sugef, Sugeval, Supen and Sugese.

Through the General Superintendency of Financial Entities (Sugef), students explored the importance of developing the habit of saving from an early age. They also learnt strategies for maintaining an excellent credit record upon entering the labor market, which could allow them to become creditworthy individuals and manage realistic budgets aligned with their income and expenses.

In collaboration with the General Superintendency of Securities (Sugeval), they analysed the steps to transition from saving to investing for better returns. They were introduced to innovative instruments such as cryptocurrencies and the essential precautions required in the world of cyber finance.

Working with the Superintendency of Pensions (SUPEN), participants examined the importance of long-term planning for retirement and studied the different pension products available in the market.

Finally, through the General Superintendency of Insurance, they reviewed the extensive range of more than 1 000 insurance products offered by the industry and discussed how insuring assets, health, and life serves as a strategic investment to protect against major financial risks.

As in previous years, this year’s programme sought to raise awareness among children and young people that adopting small yet consistent saving habits and practicing responsible financial management from an early age can create a profound positive impact on their personal futures. It also emphasised that proper financial planning, even with limited resources, can significantly improve quality of life while contributing to a stronger and more resilient national economy, delivering benefits for both individuals and Costa Rican society as a whole.

2025 Costa Rica Global Money Week

GMW NATIONAL COORDINATOR:

  • Conassif-Superintendencias Financieras

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • Consejo Nacional de Supervisión del Sistema Financiero (Conassif), Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras (Sugef), Superintendencia, General de Valores (Sugeval), Superintendencia de Pensiones (Supen), Superintendencia, General de Seguros (Sugese), Museos del Banco Central de Costa Rica , Municipalidad de Moravia, Escuela de Los Sitios de Moravia, Escuela de La Isla de Moravia, Moniland.cr

TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • 10

NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 100

NUMBER OF ADULTS REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 200

In Costa Rica, the celebration of Global Money Week 2025 focussed on advancing financial education for children in urban and marginalised areas.

As part of the initiative, students from San Jerónimo School in Moravia received an educational tour to the Numismatic Museum of the Central Bank of Costa Rica. During this tour, they learnt about the origins of money and the importance of saving. Through playful and interactive activities, students had the opportunity to apply what they learnt in a hands-on manner. Similarly, students from Isla de Moravia School participated in an interactive workshop led by a specialist in family financial education.

In addition, the financial supervisory authorities (Sugef, Sugeval, Supen, and Sugese) launched the video podcast called ‘Voces’, which explores financial education topics aimed at the general public.

2024 Costa Rica Global Money Week

GMW NATIONAL COORDINATOR:

  • National Council for Supervision of the Financial System (Conassif)

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • National Council for Supervision of the Financial System (Conassif), General Superintendence of Financial Entities (Sugef), General Superintendence of Securities (Sugeval), Pension Superintendence (Supen), General Insurance Superintendence (Sugese), Financial Consumer Office (OCF), Museums of the Central Bank of Costa Rica, ULACIT University, Scientific College of Costa Rica, San Pedro Headquarters, Buenaventura Corrales School

TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • 10

NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 250

NUMBER OF ADULTS REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 100

Throughout the week, various activities were organised for students in Costa Rica, including a play produced by the Office of the Financial Consumer (OFC).

Three talks were conducted by Conassif and the financial Superintendencies for ULACIT university students. These talks, one in person and two virtual, covered topics such as the functioning of financial entities, the stock market, the pension sector, and the insurance sector.

Moreover, third and fourth grade students from Buenaventura Corrales School in San José participated in workshops highlighting the importance of saving. This included a visit to the "Piggy Banks and Treasures" exhibition at the Museo del Banco Central de Costa Rica and a practical exercise where students painted their own piggy banks to save money throughout the year for specific personal or family goals.

2023 Costa Rica Global Money Week

GMW NATIONAL COORDINATOR:

  • Conassif - Financial Superintendencies

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • National Supervision Council of the Financial System (Conassif); Superintendency of Financial Entities (Sugef); General Securities Superintendency (Sugeval); General Superintendency of Pensions (Supen); General Superintendency of Insurance (Sugese)
    Central Bank Museum; Altamoravia Preschool; Creston School; Costa Rican Technological University (TEC)

TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • 9

NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 230

NUMBER OF ADULTS REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 500

NUMBER OF PEOPLE REACHED INDIRECTLY:

  • Not reported

Throughout the week, GMW partners in Costa Rica carried out face-to-face and virtual talks to students from the Technological University (Limón campus) on the functioning of the financial market, securities, pensions, and insurance; organised workshops for fifth-grade school children on the importance of saving, included a visit to the "Piggy Banks and Treasures" exhibition, as well as a practical exercise of painting their little pig to save throughout the year for a specific personal or family goal; implemented savings activities for preschool children, where children made a little pig with recyclable materials.

2022 Costa Rica Global Money Week

GMW NATIONAL COORDINATOR:

  • National Council for Supervision of the Financial System (Conassif) and those four superintendencies, namely: SUGEF (for financial intermediaries), SUGESE (for insurances), SUPEN (for pensions) and SUGEVAL (for securities), Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC) and Financial Consumer Office

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • Technological University of Costa Rica (TEC)

TOTAL NUMBER OF PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • 8

NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 150

NUMBER OF ADULTS REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 800

NUMBER OF PEOPLE REACHED INDIRECTLY:

  • Not reported

For Global Money Week 2022, a concerted effort was made by the National Council for the Supervision of the Financial System (Conassif) and the four financial superintendencies: SUGEF (for financial intermediaries), SUGEVAL (for securities), SUPEN (for pensions) and SUGESE (for insurances), which was coordinated jointly with the Ministry of Economy, Industry and Commerce (MEIC), the Financial Consumer Office (OCF) and the Technological Institute of Costa Rica (TEC).

Three webinars were held for 150 university students and teachers as well as the general public through Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. The topics developed were “Use of credit cards”, “Savings and budget” and “How to save and not die trying.”

2015 Costa Rica Global Money Week

LEADING ORGANISATIONS:

  • El Consejo Nacional de Supervisión del Sistema Financiero (CONASSIF) Superintendencia General de Valores (SUGEVAL)
  • Superintendencia de Pensiones (SUPEN)
  • Superintendencia General de Seguros (SUGESE)
  • Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras (SUGEF)

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • Central Bank of Costa Rica
  • Ministry of Education of Costa Rica
  • Schools

NUMBER OF CHILDREN REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 250

NUMBER OF PEOPLE REACHED INDIRECTLY:

  • 250

GMW in Costa Rica was officially celebrated by the National Strategy for Financial Education (ENEF). ENEF is a concerted effort by the four supervisory authorities of the financial system – SUGEVAL, SUPEN, SUGESE and SUGEF – in Costa Rica. The Ministry of Education, the Central Bank, the Banking Association and various NGOs came together to spread the message of the importance of financial education to Costa Rican children.

More than 30 organisations, including the Ministry of Education, the Central Bank, the Banking Association and various NGOs, joined the GMW 2015 celebrations.
The activities were conducted under the leadership of the National Council of Supervision of the Financial System (CONASSIF), organisation that is in charge of advancing the ENEF. During the celebrations, the institutions visited two schools in the Capital. Activities such as games and talks with high-level authorities of the participating institutions were organised. Discussions focused on the importance of savings for a balanced life, responsible use of money, and saving as a family activity.

2014 Costa Rica Global Money Week

LEADING ORGANISATIONS:

  • El Consejo Nacional de Supervisión del Sistema Financiero (CONASSIF)
  • Superintendencia General de Valores (SUGEVAL)
  • Superintendencia de Pensiones (SUPEN)
  • Superintendencia General de Seguros (SUGESE)
  • Superintendencia General de Entidades Financieras (SUGEF)

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • Ministry of Education
  • Banco Central de Costa Rica
  • National Strategy for Financial Education
  • Banking Association
  • Schools

NUMBER OF CHILDREN REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 300

NUMBER OF CHILDREN REACHED INDIRECTLY:

300

Efforts in Costa Rica are framed by the work that the 4 supervisory authorities of the financial system (SUGEVAL, SUPEN, SUGESE and SUGEF) have undertaking towards the concretion of the National Strategy for Financial Education. The Ministry of Education, the Central Bank, the Banking Association and various NGOs collaborated to bring financial education fun to Costa Rican children during GMW 2014.

National Council of Supervision of the Financial System (CONASSIF) members visited children and youth in schools to talk about the importance of financial education for children and youth. They entertained and educated the students with stories highlighting the positive benefits of well-planned financial behaviour.

2013 Costa Rica Global Money Week

LEADING ORGANISATIONS:

  • Central Bank Costa Rica

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS:

  • Paniamor
  • Superintendencia General Entidades Financieras
  • Cámara de Bancos e Instituciones Financieras de Costa Rica
  • Sugeval, Ministry of Education Costa Rica
  • Superintendencia General de Sequros

NUMBER OF CHILDREN REACHED DIRECTLY:

  • 3000

NUMBER OF CHILDREN REACHED INDIRECTLY:

  • 3000

A diversity of Costa Rican institutions carried out activities to celebrate the Global Money Week, performing a number of activities.

The Central Bank of Costa Rica welcomed students from primary and secondary education from private and public schools in the capital city. Among the activities the students enjoyed were financial education and motivational workshops, where they had the opportunity to discover firsthand the new family of notes and coins of Costa Rica. They also played the Banking Association’s game on financial education called “Young Bankers.”

Additionally, they received a guided tour around the Money Museum in an exciting trip to learn antique coins and the history of the Costa Rican Central Bank.

The Authorities were to be very pleased with the results and hope to begin coordination activities from the middle of next month to continue the effort and integrate education and outreach strategies for greater national coverage.