Analysis of the financial sustainability of the cooperative savings and credit sector in Peru

Purpose: This research analyzes the determinants of the financial sustainability of the cooperative savings and credit sector in Peru. Design/methodology/approach: The econometric analysis uses a balanced data panel with a sample of 34 savings and credit cooperatives in Peru for the period 2010–2017. The estimates were considered using the static fixed-effects model to assess the financial sustainability. Findings: The results show that the interest rate differential, the number of years of activity, the size of assets and the return on assets are explanatory variables of the financial sustainability of savings and credit cooperatives in Peru. Research limitations/implications: This research promotes reflection and discussion for the design of policies that improve the level of competition for the Peruvian savings and credit cooperative model, based on the level of financial sustainability. Originality/value: This study is one of the first to identify the determinants of the financial sustainability of the savings and credit cooperative sector in Peru. Peer review: The peer review history for this article is available at: https://publons.com/publon/10.1108/IJSE-01-2022-0064