BCI Logo PNG
The BCI logo is bright and optimistic. The image conveys Latin American expression. By opening branches in various parts of South and North America, the company demonstrates uniting clients of different views, nationalities, and appearances under its wing.
BCI: Brand overview
In 1937, Juan Yaur Lolas, a Chilean businessman of Lebanese descent, founded Banco de Crédito e Inversiones (BCI) in Santiago, Chile. The bank was established to address the country’s growing demand for financial services, particularly among small and medium-sized businesses.
Initially, the institution focused on supporting Chile’s commercial sector by providing banking and credit services tailored to local entrepreneurs. Its personalized customer approach and deep understanding of the domestic market quickly earned it a reputation as a reliable financial partner.
The bank experienced significant growth during the 1950s and 1960s. It expanded its branch network throughout Santiago and other cities in Chile, introducing new financial services and products to attract a wider customer base.
Despite political and economic challenges in the 1970s, the bank strengthened its market position. It improved its customer service systems and adopted emerging technologies to enhance operational efficiency.
In the 1980s, the bank achieved substantial technological advancements. It became one of the first financial institutions in Chile to implement automated customer service systems and integrate computer technologies into its operations.
The 1990s marked a period of international expansion. During this time, the bank established correspondent relationships with major global financial institutions, opened representative offices in key financial centers, and developed new financial products for its business clients.
In the 2000s, the institution further enhanced its operations. Notable milestones included the 2004 acquisition of Banco Conosur, strengthening its retail banking position.
Between 2010 and 2015, the bank focused heavily on digital banking, responding to the increasing demand for online financial services. It invested significantly in mobile applications and internet banking platforms to meet customer needs.
A major turning point occurred in 2016 when the bank became the largest Chilean institution to acquire the City National Bank of Florida in the United States. This acquisition significantly expanded the bank’s international presence and opened new growth opportunities.
From 2017 to 2023, the bank continued modernizing its technological infrastructure and expanding its digital service offerings. It leveraged advanced technologies like big data and artificial intelligence to improve customer experiences and enhance service delivery.
As of 2024, the bank remains one of Chile’s largest private financial institutions. It continues to innovate, introduce new technology-driven solutions, and explore new business opportunities. At the same time, it stays true to its core values of prioritizing customer needs and fostering entrepreneurship.
Over its 85-year history, the institution has evolved from a small regional bank into a prominent global financial organization. It is steadfastly committed to exceptional customer service and contributes to Chile’s economic development.
Meaning and History
What is BCI?
This major Chilean bank offers financial services for individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and corporate clients. It provides various financial services, such as asset management, investment, and retail and commercial banking. The bank has earned a reputation for its focus on technological innovation, often setting the standard for digital banking solutions in the Latin American region. Outside of Chile, the bank operates in several other countries, particularly the U.S., through its subsidiary, City National Bank of Florida. Due to its global expansion, the bank serves as a bridge between the financial markets of South America and North America.
1955 – 1959
The emblem was developed when the bank’s management was transferred to the founder’s son, who was actively expanding the business. The main symbol became a monogram created from the first letters of the company’s name — Banco de Crédito e Inversiones S.A. The dense interweaving of the symbols emphasizes unity and the high level of security offered to clients.
The logo highlights the bank’s familial ties. This focus clarifies the connection between the founder, current leadership, and the next generation—ready to continue the family business. Continuity creates a solid foundation for stability during times of uncertainty and change. The concept demonstrates the strength of the organization’s internal bonds and ability to act confidently even in challenging external circumstances.
1959 – 1965
The new emblem is significantly different from the previous one. It reflects ideas of progress and growth. In the background, a coin symbolizes the company’s connection to the financial sector.
The coin depicts a giant condor with outstretched wings, evoking a sense of strength and scale. In the foreground, a prominent image of the BCI headquarters building is shown from its side, emphasizing its achievements and importance.
The logo’s design visually underscores grandeur and accomplishments, creating associations with reliability and stability for clients.
1965 – 1978
For the first time, the emblem features an hourglass, a symbol reminding us of the relentless passage of time. The bank demonstrates resilience, reaffirming its commitment to stability and trust. The new symbol reflects respect for clients’ time, so the company implements modern technologies to speed up service processes and make them more convenient.
1978 – 1991
The emblem reflects the movement from the past to the future. The hourglass conveys the concept of time, extending a line and forming an open rectangle. The line resembles a road, symbolizing the bank’s progress, openness to new opportunities, and readiness for change.
One key focus has become the development of technology. Clients are offered American Express international credit cards, and an online system has been implemented to connect branches and accelerate information processing.
By preserving its mission and relying on accumulated experience, the company shapes the future and reaffirms reliability and stability.
1991 – 1993
All of the bank’s debts were fully repaid, leading to the renewal of the emblem. Having completed his mission, the company’s owner died, leaving his son to lead.
The hourglass-shaped logo gained stability through its wide bases. The design emphasizes the brand’s continuity and its progression through time. The chamber is filled, with no sand grains in motion, highlighting constancy and unchanging values.
The bank’s wide blue stripes reflect its technological development and focus on modern technologies. It introduced new customer service methods, including ATM operations and automated bill payment systems.
The white layer within the symbol represents renewal, transitioning to a new level, release from the past, and progress.
1993 – 2006
The emblem was updated in 1993, following the bank’s renaming to BCI. The third generation of the family owners initiated the changes, and the new owner proposed a fresh perspective on the bank’s visual style.
The hourglass transformed into a modern graphic design composed of individual multicolored lines. The composition was inspired by the works of Spanish artist Joan Miró, known for his abstract style. Primary colors are tied to the corporate slogan “We Are Different.”
The name is to the right of the image, written with an initial capital letter. The entire graphic design conveys a sense of dynamism, diversity, and openness.
2006 – 2018
The hourglass shape has been modified, with a forward tilt emphasizing movement and development. This accent reflects the company’s ability to overcome crisis periods and its confident growth.
The font design of the name has been updated: serifs have been removed, making the text visually simpler and highlighting the accessibility of working with the bank, the introduction of modern technologies, and the simplification of client interactions. The slogan is rendered in a thinner font, giving the composition a lighter and more modern appearance.
2018 – today
The figure has become larger, and the letters have acquired a bolder design, emphasizing the company’s achievements. The bank’s slogan has transformed into a call to action: “Let’s be different!”
The changes are associated with the active expansion of the international presence and acquiring new banks. The expansion covered several markets, necessitating adjustments to the visual style and updates to key elements of the brand identity.
