Fitch Ratings Affirms Cresol's Strong Credit Quality

Fitch Ratings has reaffirmed the high credit quality of the Cresol System's Baser and Sicoper centrals, according to updated assessments in June. Both centrals demonstrated adequate business profiles, risk management, and financial expansion. Central Cresol Baser maintained its National Long-Term Rating at 'AA-(bra)' with a Stable Outlook and its National Short-Term Rating at 'F1+(bra)'. This 'AA-(bra)' rating, signifying very high credit quality, was initially achieved in 2025 and its maintenance highlights a solid business profile, extensive reach, and resilient financial indicators, supporting growth and capitalization strategies. Central Cresol Sicoper also retained its 2025 ratings: a National Long-Term Rating of 'A-(bra)' (high credit quality) and a National Short-Term Rating of 'F2(bra)'. Notably, Fitch Ratings revised Sicoper's Outlook from Stable to Positive. This outlook revision stems from an increasing trend in profitability diversification, driven by portfolio growth strategies, and the expectation of stable, comfortable capitalization levels. The positive assessment of Central Sicoper also recognized advancements in business and risk profile consolidation, including mergers of singular cooperatives strengthening the system. Cresol's Risk Director, Karoline Buss Gesser, stated that these ratings reflect the system's maturity, commitment to technical excellence, financial prudence, and effective risk management, underscoring its financial solidity and institutional resilience. She added that the ratings provide a secure foundation for sustainable advancement and expansion, enabling Cresol to fulfill its mission of fostering member development with long-term stability. Cresol, a cooperative financial institution with 31 years of history, serves over 1 million members through 1,050 branches across Brazil, offering personalized financial solutions for individuals, businesses, and rural enterprises.