The Chile Financial Market Commission published its January 2026 report on the performance of supervised banks and savings and credit cooperatives, covering activity, credit risk and results. The data show a deeper contraction in bank lending alongside a slight uptick in aggregate credit risk indices, while bank profits rose sharply; cooperatives continued to expand lending, with mixed movements in risk measures and improved results. For banks, total loans were USD 317,181 million, down 1.59% in real terms over 12 months, driven by a decline in the commercial portfolio, while consumer lending grew for a ninth consecutive month and housing lending increased slightly at a slower pace. Aggregate risk indices edged up versus December 2025, with the loan-loss provisions index at 2.6%, the 90-days-or-more arrears ratio at 2.44% and the impaired portfolio ratio at 6.17%, alongside lower provisions coverage versus both the prior month and a year earlier. Profits reached USD 517 million, up 37.94% in real terms over 12 months, supported by lower loan-related losses, lower tax expenses after accounting adjustments shifting part of taxes to deferred taxes, and higher net financial results and fee income; profitability improved to a return on average assets of 1.35% and return on average equity of 15.32%. For savings and credit cooperatives, loans were USD 4,120 million, up 7.02% in real terms over 12 months, with consumer loans (68.74% of operations) growing 4.77% and housing loans offsetting the weaker consumer contribution. The 90-days-or-more arrears ratio rose to 2.23% and the impaired portfolio ratio to 8.25%, while the provisions index dipped to 4.06%. Results were USD 8 million, up 136.1% in real terms over 12 months, reflecting improved financial operations and higher interest margins, alongside higher net provision expenses; ROAA increased to 2.59% and ROAE to 12.61%.

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