Credit indicators point to a positive and sustainable cycle in the South

The financial situation of families and the performance of companies boost confidence and increase the region's economic relevance

The southern region is experiencing a period of strong dynamism in the credit market, revealing a positive financial environment and signs of vitality among both consumers and companies. According to the National Association of Credit Bureaus (ANBC), the three southern states continue to expand and strengthen their financing capacity.

For individuals, according to data from the Central Bank and the organization itself, the credit balance is growing at a significant rate. Brazil recorded growth of 10.96%, while the South had a performance very close to this, with 10.47%. Within the region, Santa Catarina stands out with an expansion of 12.13%, supported by a dynamic economic ecosystem and a high degree of household financial organization. Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul also increased their balance, with 10.13% and 9.75%, strengthening consumption and supporting investment in various sectors.

Among companies, the South maintained its upward trend. The corporate credit balance grew by 8.57% in the region, in line with the national boost of 8.70%. Rio Grande do Sul leads the way with an increase of 14.31%, driven by financing operations that stimulate productive activity and the consolidation of strategic investments. Paraná and Santa Catarina showed consistent growth, contributing to a solid business environment with ample capacity for renewal.

The quality of household credit shows important foundations for the continuation of this cycle. The proportion of consumers with outstanding financial commitments remains at manageable levels in the region, well below the Brazilian level, which shows maturity in the use of credit and responsible management of obligations. Santa Catarina has the most favorable index, followed by Paraná and Rio Grande do Sul. In addition, the average value of debts is higher than the national average, which tends to reflect markets with higher incomes, more qualified operations and consumers with a structured consumption profile.

In terms of companies, the figures reinforce the size and importance of the South's production base. The region has 1.3 million companies with registered commitments, out of a national universe of 8.1 million, with an average value per transaction of around R$ 30,000 (above the country's average), demonstrating robust business structures, mature industrial chains and an environment that handles larger transactions. Rio Grande do Sul has the highest average value in the region, closely followed by Santa Catarina and Paraná, in line with the diversified economic profile of these states.

To top it off, among individuals, the recent movement in the negatives indicators demonstrates an environment of greater economic circulation and intensified use of credit in the South. Between March and September 2025, Santa Catarina recorded an increase of 5.4%, rising from 2.29 million to 2.42 million negative consumers. Paraná grew by 3.8% to 3.96 million, while Rio Grande do Sul grew by 5.5% to 3.89 million.

In the business segment, the behavior follows the same trajectory of expanded activity. The number of negatived companies increased by 17.3% in Santa Catarina, reaching 359,000; 15.7% in Paraná, reaching 511,000; and 17.5% in Rio Grande do Sul, totaling 438,000. These results reflect greater regional dynamism and intensity in financial operations, characteristic of economies with strong productive activity and a high volume of transactions.

According to Elias Sfeir, ANBC's CEO, reading the data together reveals a scenario of confidence. “The South continues to show a very solid set of indicators, with organized consumers, active companies and a credit ecosystem that favors investment, renewal and sustainable growth. The figures are consistent with a region that continues to expand its economic relevance and strengthen the quality of credit offered and used,” says the executive.

All the information consolidates the perception that the Southern Region preserves a highly favorable environment for credit growth, combining expansion, financial discipline and a strong capacity for recovery and adaptation in all segments.

Bad debt in Paraná is lower than the national average, but higher among southern states