Peru's SBS warns against unauthorized lenders and loan apps

The Superintendence of Banking, Insurance and AFP (SBS) in Peru announced that it has detected several entities collecting money from the public without authorization, as well as mobile applications that grant loans without proper licensing. The entities – such as Creditopyme Cooperando S.A.C. (Financiera Cooperando), Inversiones Consultora S.A. (Consultora Solución Financiera) and the cooperative La Troyca – are marketed using terms like “financiera” or “cooperativa de ahorro y crédito” to give the impression of regulatory oversight. They offer high‑interest returns and even provide notarized contracts and securities to appear legitimate.

Among the identified apps are Monedaya Pro, Mano Préstamo and Yapi Cash. These require users to grant access to contacts, photos and video folders, allowing the apps to gather personal data. The apps then charge elevated fees and interest, and may threaten users with public shaming or false claims about indebtedness if they default. SBS aims to curb over‑indebtedness and protect consumers from these illicit practices.