Credit unions in the province of El Oro: technology, resilience, and growth with purpose.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.62451/rep.v4i1.159Keywords:
Financial digitalization, Cooperative governance, Climate risk, Territorial financial inclusion, green financeAbstract
This article examines the challenges and opportunities faced by savings and credit cooperatives in El Oro province within a context of rapid financial digitalization, growing fintech competition, stricter prudential requirements, and rising climate risk. Using a qualitative, descriptive–analytical and propositive approach based on specialized literature, regulation and technical reports, the study explores how the historical territorial proximity of cooperatives can be transformed into productivity gains, superior member experience and more professional risk management. The analysis is structured around three interdependent transformation layers: technology and data (core banking modernization, open APIs, end-to-end credit automation and applied analytics); organizational capabilities (talent, process management, cultural change and incentive systems); and prudential–strategic governance (risk appetite, IFRS 9 implementation, stress testing, funding structure and cybersecurity). It also integrates climate risk and green finance (internal taxonomy, adaptation and mitigation products, thematic funding, MRV systems), and addresses territorial equity and behavioral financial education as key levers to reduce access gaps. The main contribution is a 2026–2030 roadmap and a segment-based action map (SEPS 1–5) with indicators for productivity, risk, inclusion and sustainability, arguing that cooperatives in El Oro can achieve purpose-driven, efficient and resilient growth without abandoning their cooperative identity.
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