Orientación del crédito otorgado por las cooperativas del segmento 2 de la provincia del Azuay

Abstract

This academic article analyzes the orientation of credit in the cooperatives of segment 2 of the province of Azuay, during the period 2021-2023, in order to characterize the destination of operations, by segment and market niche. It is also intended to analyze the quality of the credit portfolio in each segment, based on its credit risk profile and its provision requirements; and, finally, evaluate the relationship between the credit dynamics of these entities and the economic activity of the province, using correlation analysis with a reference variable, which corresponds to the employment growth rate in the province. A quantitative, exploratory and longitudinal design is used, with the application of a descriptive analysis to secondary information obtained from the regulatory and control entities of the national financial system. Monthly figures corresponding to the period 2021-2023 are used. The results show that both cooperatives in segment 1 and segment 2 place credit with a similar pattern. Unlike private banking, however, microcredit has an important impact in the cooperative sector. A clear relationship was found between the growth rate of the credit volume of these cooperatives and the growth of local employment, demonstrating their ability to positively influence employment and perhaps also financial inclusion.