Latin America sees youth debt surge as Banco Azteca wins consumer loan awards

Young adults under 25 in Latin America and the Caribbean are increasingly indebted, driven by widespread use of credit cards, digital wallets, neobanks and online loans. Data show that Mexico's Generation Z has become the most indebted cohort, while Argentina’s under‑25 borrowers are 50 % more delinquent than older groups. Analysts link the trend to easy credit access, limited financial education, precarious employment and the growing reliance on credit for everyday expenses.

In Mexico, Banco Azteca received dual Euromoney Awards for “Best Consumer Loan in Latin America” and “Best Consumer Loan in Mexico.” The bank was praised for its large‑scale digital infrastructure, rapid processing of loan applications, and sophisticated risk‑analytics models that enable responsible credit to millions of customers. The international recognition underscores the institution’s role in expanding formal financial inclusion in the region.