Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay (also known as Banco República or BROU) is a state-owned bank in Uruguay, founded in 1896 under the presidency of Juan Idiarte Borda. It is the most important Uruguayan bank with the largest number of customers. It plays a dominant role in lending and deposit in the Uruguayan market. It is also responsible for the collection of export taxes. History On October 22, 1896, at 10:00 a.m. the bank opened its doors for the first time with 54 employees. The first deposit was made by the President of Uruguay, Juan Idiarte Borda. References External links Banco de la República Oriental del Uruguay Economy of Uruguay Government-owned companies of Uruguay Banks of Uruguay Banks established in 1896 1896 establishments in Uruguay Companies based in Montevideo Uruguayan brands