The Central Bank of Ecuador reported that private financial institutions saw increased credit demand in the second quarter of 2026, while approval standards tightened slightly. Demand is expected to grow further in the third quarter, with private banks anticipating some easing of approval restrictions even as cooperatives and mutual societies expect tighter conditions to persist. Private banks concentrated restrictions on productive credit but expect to ease conditions in that segment. Cooperatives and mutual societies applied the greatest restrictions to productive credit and microcredit and plan stronger controls on microcredit and consumer lending in the third quarter. Institutions attributed tighter policies mainly to the economic outlook, regulatory changes and perceived borrower risk, while demand was driven by working capital and broader financing needs.
Central Bank of Ecuador2026-08-01
Central Bank of Ecuador reports rising credit demand and slightly tighter approval standards
The Central Bank of Ecuador reported higher credit demand and slightly tighter approval standards in the second quarter of 2026. Demand is expected to continue growing in the third quarter, while private banks foresee some easing and cooperatives and mutual societies expect restrictions to persist.