Chile Financial Market Commission publishes April 2026 performance report showing slower loan growth and lower credit risk in banks and cooperatives

The Chile Financial Market Commission has published its report on the performance of the banking system and savings and credit cooperatives as of April 2026. For banks, total loans reached USD 308,014 million and grew 0.33 percent in real terms over 12 months, reflecting a contraction in commercial lending, while consumer lending extended its expansion to a 12th consecutive month and housing lending continued to grow at a slower pace. Aggregate bank credit risk indicators all declined from March, with the loan-loss provisions index at 2.55 percent, the arrears ratio of 90 days or more at 2.37 percent, and the impaired portfolio ratio at 5.99 percent. Cumulative bank profits rose to USD 2,243 million, and profitability improved to a return on average equity of 14.96 percent and a return on average assets of 1.32 percent. For savings and credit cooperatives, total loans stood at USD 4,003 million and increased 7.34 percent in real terms over 12 months, although at a slower rate than in March, mainly because consumer lending growth eased to 4.68 percent. Their aggregate risk indicators also fell month on month, with the provisions index at 4.07 percent, the arrears ratio at 2.2 percent, and the impaired portfolio ratio at 8.45 percent. Cumulative results declined to USD 41 million, driven by higher net provision expenses and lower net fees, and profitability fell to a return on average assets of 2.33 percent and a return on average equity of 11.41 percent.