Estrategias para la disminución de cartera vencida en las cooperativas de ahorro y crédito del Segmento 1. Cuenca – Ecuador.

Abstract

In the context of Savings and Credit Cooperatives in Segment I in the city of Cuenca, Ecuador, there is a persistent concern regarding the default of the credit portfolio, especially in microcredits, which constitute 40% of the total. This growth has generated pressure on these institutions’ profitability and financial stability, directly affecting their ability to meet operational obligations. In response to this issue, there is a need to create or identify effective strategies to minimize overdue loans and improve credit risk management. This study focuses on the twenty cooperatives in Segment I of the city, representing a significant part of the local economy. The methodology employed combines quantitative and qualitative approaches through a structured questionnaire directed at the leaders of the studied cooperatives, using a sample of 15 of them, addressing aspects such as the strategies implemented, the challenges faced, perceptions of the effectiveness of current strategies, and the availability of financial education programs for members. The results indicate that all cooperatives have established strategies for reducing overdue loans and consider them effective; however, challenges persist, such as the lack of training and motivation for the staff responsible for this work. Additionally, the importance of interaction with other institutions and technology implementation for optimizing results is highlighted.