Superfinanciera raises usury rate to 25.52% in March

Colombia's Superintendencia Financiera reported that the usury rate for March stands at 25.52% effective annual rate, up 0.29 percentage points from February's 25.23%. This increase mirrors market interest rate adjustments. Institutions like Coltefinanciera and Banco Unión have rates closest to the cap.

Colombia's Superintendencia Financiera (Superfinanciera) announced that the usury rate for March reaches 25.52% effective annual (E.A.), marking an increase of 0.29 percentage points from the 25.23% in effect during February. This measure, drawn from data up to February 20, 2026, aims to regulate interest rates in the financial sector.

Among credit institutions, Coltefinanciera, Banco Unión, and Lulo Bank show the effective annual rates closest to the usury threshold, at 25.19%, 25.19%, and 25.18%, respectively. They are followed by JFK Cooperativa Financiera at 24.88%, Banco Falabella at 24.7%, Confiar at 24.46%, and Financiera Juriscoop at 24.2%.

At the other end, Coopcentral, Banagrario, and AV Villas maintain rates farther from the limit, recording 18.37%, 20.48%, and 20.95%, respectively. Other institutions include Banco de Occidente at 21.73%, Banco GNB Sudameris at 22.42%, and Banco Davivienda at 22.68%.

David Cubides, chief economist at Banco de Occidente, provided context: "not only are we seeing a 100 basis point movement this time, but we continue to see more increases, and in response, the usury rate will react." He noted that this rise will make products like credit cards more expensive, aligning with the Central Bank's efforts to curb consumption and manage inflation. On GDP growth, Cubides projected a figure close to 3%, revised downward from earlier estimates above 3% due to rising inflation expectations.

Liittyvät artikkelit

Banco de la República board announcing 100 basis point interest rate hike to 10.25% due to inflation from minimum wage increase, with concerned Finance Minister.
AI:n luoma kuva

Banco de la República hikes interest rate to 10.25% amid inflation surge and minimum wage controversy

Raportoinut AI AI:n luoma kuva

Colombia's Banco de la República raised its intervention rate by 100 basis points to 10.25%—the highest in over a year—in its first 2026 board meeting, citing persistent inflation above 5% for nearly six months and unanchored expectations from a 23.8% minimum wage hike decreed by President Petro's government. The decision, with a split 4-2-1 vote, drew market surprise and government criticism over economic contraction risks.

The Superintendencia Financiera announced that the usury rate for February reaches 25.23% effective annual, up from 24.36% in January, raising costs for credit card purchases. Entities like Lulo Bank and Coltefinanciera operate near the limit, while Coopcentral and Banco GNB Sudameris keep lower rates. Experts highlight the impact on informal credit and propose system reforms.

Raportoinut AI

Following its January hike to 10.25%, Colombia's Banco de la República raised its intervention rate by another 100 basis points to 11.25% in a tight 4-3 vote during its second meeting of the year. Finance Minister Germán Ávila walked out of the board meeting and announced the government's withdrawal from the central bank over disagreements. President Gustavo Petro backed the move and criticized the monetary policy.

One-year Treasury bills (TES) rates hit a new record in auction number 13 by the Public Credit Directorate, reaching 13.693%. This surpasses the previous high and marks a 2.2 percentage point increase so far this year. The upward trend raises concerns over the Colombian Government's borrowing costs.

Raportoinut AI

Dane reported that Colombia's annual inflation for March 2026 reached 5.56%, up from 5.29% in February. This is the highest rate since September 2024 at 5.81%. Year-to-date inflation for the first quarter stood at 3.07%.

Colombia's National Administrative Department of Statistics (Dane) reported that annual inflation for January 2026 stood at 5.35%, up 13 basis points from January 2025. Driven by lodging services, restaurants, and food, the figure slightly exceeded market expectations. This data will guide the Central Bank's monetary policy decisions.

Raportoinut AI

Marcela Torres, manager of Nu Colombia, criticized the prolonged service failures at Bancolombia that affected millions of users. The bank received 1.82 million complaints at Superfinanciera by the end of 2025, accounting for 66.22% of the total. Torres called for uniform service level agreements to bolster trust in the financial system.

 

 

 

Tämä verkkosivusto käyttää evästeitä

Käytämme evästeitä analyysiä varten parantaaksemme sivustoamme. Lue tietosuojakäytäntömme tietosuojakäytäntö lisätietoja varten.
Hylkää