On the other hand, the TNA of non -financial credit suppliers (PNFC), so these entities are called by the Central Bank of the Argentine Republic (BCRA) is from 287.86%I mean 4.2 times more than the average rate of banks3.41 times the inflation of 2024 and 1.98 times more than the variation of the 2024 salary index.
To make the comparison, the inflation data published by INDEC (84.5%) was taken, as well as the average personal loan rate granted by banking entities informed by the BCRA on February 16 (TNA 69.97%), and the salary variation index (145.5%of December 2024 to December 2025).
Lack of rates information promotes over -indebtedness
In the report you could access Scopethe consultant warns that these entities must publish on their websites both the TNA, such as the ASD and the CFT of the credits they offeraccording to communication on Interest rates in BCRA credit operations.
However, the 68.4% of companies analyzed does not inform the TNA and the 67.6% omits the CFT, breaking this obligation. “The exposure of rates in large ranges without clear determination of the applicable value It prevents the consumer from knowing the cost of the loan with certaintyviolating the requirement of transparency and comparability established in the regulations ”, alerts the entity.
For Alejandro Pérez Hazañawho was behind the study, these practices generate a direct impact on the Family OverDepening.
“Not only are these entities the resource that those who cannot access the bank with downward rates have, but these sectors, in case of making these loans, They can hardly know what they pay and they will not be able to comply with their obligations without compromising their future in general and his essential needs in particular, ”warns the member of the consultant.
Along the same lines, it indicates that these entities report a minimum and maximum rate, but not how each client can know which would correspond to him in case of a loan.
Little regulation in the sector: How far can the BCRA maneuver?
Consulted by this means, Pérez Hazaña explains that the term “non -financial credit suppliers” is attributed to these companies “They do not provide funds taken from the general public, but provide their own funds”, And that is why they are not financial entities covered by the Law 21,256 of financial entities. “If they did, they would be obliged to ask permission to operate, but they can do so without prior permission,” adds the specialist.
So what is the scope of the BCRA about these entities that function as lenders? Answering the question, the member of Pharo Consultor recalls that the Central Bank created an information record, although it warns of deficiencies and lack of control.
Technically, lack of information and exposure of non -specific fees violate the rights of recognized consumers in the Consumer Defense Law And the transparent advertising standards of the BCRA, facilitating “abusive conditions “ in loans and making it impossible for “PREVIOUS REFLECTION AND REAL COMPARISON OF THE BIDS”
In that sense, the BCRA Ensures to apply sanctions for breach of financial transparency standardsderiving in possible sanctions, fines and restrictions for entities that fail to comply with the correct publication of their fees.
However, segmented analysis shows that, although there are cases where rates are comparable to banking, average and extreme cases indicate a “high -risk scenario”For consumers that can be contained by providing access to clear and complete information.
It is also true that the Central Bank itself performs the Credit Non -Financial Suppliers Report Based on the information provided by the portals, but the consultant stands out “Notorious differences“Between what entities report to BCRA and what are really found on their websites, without having”explanation or control“To solve these disparities.
In its official reports, the BCRA only informs about the TNA rate, not having data regarding the total costs of financing.
Even so, On the annual net rate the difference is widesince the agency informs that by August 2024 an average TNA for personal loans It was 141% per year, while the total average derived from survey is 287.86%that is twice.
This information difference allows you to affirm the BCRA that “in all PNFC groups Interest rates were observed of personal loans in the first eight months of the year. ”
For example, says the entity led by Santiago Bausili, The group Sale of appliances, that reported the TNA Highest weighted average in December 2023, evidenced the greatest reduction in the period, registering 148% in August 2024, 93 pp less compared to the end of 2023.
The causes behind the high rates charged by these entities
Another information is the default that entities inform the BCRA, which indicates that From the second semester of 2023 onwards there is a downward trenduntil located in a historical minimum value of 7.6% In August 2024.
Therefore, for Pharo Consultor, the data shows that interest rates applied by PNFC “They cannot be justified only by the inflationary environment or high levels of delinquency.”
“The difference in margins compared to the official bank and the fact that the default rate is low indicate that there are other factors – possibly related to the market structure, commercial strategies or lack of competition– that drive these excessive levels of TNA and CFT. On the other hand, the decline in the inflation rate does not seem to impact the loan marketing rates of these entities, ”concludes the survey.
Source: Ambito
