Ecuador’s Financial and Monetary Policy and Regulation Board, with technical support from the Central Bank of Ecuador, issued a standard on access to financing for women entrepreneurs that sets principles and guidelines for financial institutions to develop preferential, gender-focused financial products. The framework applies to entities across the public and private sectors and the popular and solidarity economy, and allows firms to incorporate accessibility, inclusion and a gender perspective into credit policies. It promotes products tailored to women-led businesses, including simplified requirements, guarantees aligned to applicants’ profiles and credit conditions adjusted to the nature of the business, and targets women entrepreneurs registered in the National Registry of Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Competitiveness. The standard also encourages the use of guarantee funds and inclusive financial technologies to expand access, particularly in rural or low-bank-coverage areas, and calls for financial education and training alongside clear, accessible information on product terms.
Central Bank of Ecuador 2026-03-06
Ecuador’s Financial and Monetary Policy and Regulation Board issues rules to widen credit access for women entrepreneurs
Ecuador’s Financial and Monetary Policy and Regulation Board, supported by the Central Bank, issued a standard to enhance financing for women entrepreneurs. It guides financial institutions in developing gender-focused products with simplified requirements and tailored credit conditions for women-led businesses in the National Registry of Entrepreneurship. It also promotes guarantee funds, inclusive financial technologies, and financial education to improve access, especially in underserved areas.