Question 1

What is Credija?

Accepted Answer

Credija (Cooperativa de Crédito Litorânea), operating as Sicoob Credija, is a financial cooperative based in Brazil. Founded by a group of farmers, the cooperative emerged from the need for agricultural workers to obtain credit with fairer rates to finance their crops, while also offering closer relationships with those working in different agricultural sectors.

As part of the Sicoob System (Sistema de Cooperativas de Crédito do Brasil), Credija offers the full range of banking services including current accounts, credit, investments, cards, pension plans, consortium, insurance, bank collections, and payments. The cooperative operates under the member-ownership model where associates have rights to institutional results.

Question 2

When was Credija founded?

Accepted Answer

Credija was founded in 1992 in Jacinto Machado, Santa Catarina. The cooperative's founding assembly took place that year, bringing together the initial group of farmers who recognized the need for accessible, fair-rate financial services for agricultural communities.

The cooperative officially began operations in July 1992 with its first 64 members and only two employees. The first branch was subsequently inaugurated in the neighboring city of Praia Grande, marking the beginning of the cooperative's regional expansion.

Question 3

Where is Credija headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Credija is headquartered in Jacinto Machado, Santa Catarina. The current administrative headquarters was inaugurated in June 2011, representing a significant milestone in the cooperative's infrastructure development.

The cooperative's history in Jacinto Machado includes several locations: the first address in 1993, a second location in 1996, and an administrative headquarters established in 1998, before the construction and inauguration of the current modern headquarters facility in 2011.

Question 4

Where does Credija operate?

Accepted Answer

Credija operates across two states in southern Brazil: Santa Catarina and Rio Grande do Sul. The cooperative's service area extends beyond its headquarters in Jacinto Machado to serve agricultural communities and residents throughout these regions.

The first branch outside Jacinto Machado was opened in Praia Grande, demonstrating the cooperative's early commitment to regional expansion. As part of the Sicoob System, members also have access to over 4,600 service points throughout Brazil.

Question 5

What services does Credija offer?

Accepted Answer

Credija offers a comprehensive portfolio of financial products and services including:

Personal Banking: Current accounts, Pix payments, transfers, and deposit services with member-ownership benefits.

Credit Products: Agricultural credit lines designed for farmers and crop financing, personal loans, credit cards, payroll-deductible loans, and vehicle financing.

Business Services: Business current accounts, working capital financing, and specialized agricultural business credit solutions.

Investments: Fixed income investments (RDC), savings products, pension plans (previdência), and capital social participation with profit distribution rights.

Insurance and Protection: Comprehensive insurance products for personal, family, and agricultural asset protection.

Additional Services: Consortium plans, bank collections (cobrança bancária), payment services, and access to digital banking platforms through the Sicoob network.

Question 6

What makes Credija unique?

Accepted Answer

Credija distinguishes itself through its agricultural roots and continued commitment to serving farming communities in southern Brazil. Founded by farmers for farmers, the cooperative maintains deep understanding of agricultural cycles, crop financing needs, and the specific challenges faced by rural communities.

The cooperative follows cooperative principles established in Rochdale, England in 1844, implementing social development initiatives, environmental projects, and support for youth and children's education. These activities embody the essence of cooperativism and demonstrate the cooperative's commitment to walking alongside the communities where it operates.

Credija has grown sustainably and strategically since 1992, continuously following innovations in the financial sector while investing in employee training programs and promoting initiatives that effectively contribute to all stakeholders. The cooperative's democratic governance structure includes elected councils and executive leadership drawn from the membership.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Credija?

Accepted Answer

Credija is classified as a Cooperativa de Crédito (Credit Cooperative) in Brazil, operating under the Sicoob System. The institution is regulated by the Central Bank of Brazil (Banco Central do Brasil) and operates under cooperative legislation.

As a financial cooperative, members are simultaneously owners and beneficiaries of the institution, participating in democratic governance through general assemblies where they contribute to strategic decisions, elect administrative bodies, and receive distributions of annual surpluses (sobras).

Being part of the Sicoob System, Brazil's largest cooperative credit system with over 9 million members and R$ 398 billion in managed assets, Credija combines local agricultural expertise and community focus with access to national infrastructure, technology platforms, and comprehensive financial services typical of major banking institutions.

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About Credija in Brazil