The number of families in Argentina accumulating debt, particularly with non-bank entities, continues to rise, leading to increased challenges in repayment.
As of late 2025, despite a calm financial environment that brought down interest rates, Argentine families continue to struggle with rising debt levels, particularly from non-bank entities which charge higher financial costs. According to the Central Bank's data processed by EcoGo, nearly a quarter of these loans are currently in irregular status. The issue highlights the growing reliance on alternative sources of credit such as virtual wallets, digital banks, cooperatives, and loans from major retail chains and automotive brands.
The data reveals that non-bank financial institutions in Argentina have accumulated a staggering 13.1 trillion pesos in loans, reflecting a significant real increase of 142% since March 2024 and an increase of 21.5% compared to the previous peak in 2018. This trend emphasizes the pressing nature of financial stability among families, who are being pushed toward more expensive credit options, thus exacerbating their financial vulnerabilities.
The implications of these findings are substantial, especially considering the socio-economic context in which many families find themselves. With a significant portion of debt in arrears, the challenge for these families grows, potentially leading to greater financial distress and limited access to essential resources. Policymakers will need to address these issues to stabilize household economies and provide support mechanisms to ease the burden of debt and improve repayment conditions for families.
