Credit cooperatives expand influence across Brazil

Credit cooperatives have become a significant pillar of the Brazilian financial system, currently serving over 19 million members across 753 cooperatives with assets exceeding R$885 billion. In the last decade, the sector has seen a 575% increase in assets and a 170% rise in membership.

Data from FIPE and the Organização das Cooperativas Brasileiras (OCB) indicates that municipalities with credit cooperatives experience an average 15.6% increase in GDP per capita and a 10% rise in new business openings. The sector maintains a presence in 58% of Brazilian municipalities, acting as the sole financial institution in 469 cities according to the Central Bank.

In the private sector, the Cresol cooperative system is conducting its ‘Cooperar é Ganhar’ campaign, which aims to distribute R$12 million in prizes throughout 2026. In September alone, the campaign is scheduled to raffle R$2.6 million in prizes, including special awards ranging from R$10,000 to R$100,000, to encourage member investment and wealth building.