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.

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

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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.

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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.

The National Administrative Department of Statistics (Dane) reported that Colombia's annual inflation for February 2026 was 5.29%, a slight slowdown from January's 5.35%. The monthly Consumer Price Index (CPI) variation stood at 1.08%, driven by rises in education and food. This figure remains above the Central Bank's target range of 3%.

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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.

Leonardo Villar, general manager of Banco de la República, and Germán Ávila, finance minister, clashed in a political oversight debate on the fiscal impact of recent interest rate hikes. Villar defended the bank's autonomy and criticized government discrediting. Ávila responded by highlighting his guerrilla past and questioning Colombia's rate increases compared to other countries.

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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.

 

 

 

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