Question 1

What is Cooperativa SERRANA?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa SERRANA (officially registered as SERRANA Lida. C.M.A.C.P.S.) is a multiactive savings and credit cooperative based in Paraguay. It operates primarily in the Department of Cordillera and surrounding areas, focusing on providing financial services to its members.

The cooperative specializes in consumer lending and savings products, serving the local community with a commitment to cooperative principles of solidarity and mutual support. As of December 2024, Cooperativa SERRANA has grown to approximately 5.27 billion Guaraníes in net assets.

Question 2

When was Cooperativa SERRANA founded?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa SERRANA was founded on May 28, 1995, in Caacupé, Department of Cordillera. The founding assembly took place at the residence of founders Javier Raidán Gómez and Gloria Sugastti Denis, with 25 founding members in attendance.

The articles of incorporation were submitted to the Dirección General de Cooperativismo (now INCOOP, the National Cooperative Institute) with signatures from 135 founding members. The cooperative was established to provide accessible financial services to the local community through the cooperative model.

Question 3

Where is Cooperativa SERRANA headquartered?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa SERRANA is headquartered in Caacupé, a city located in the Cordillera Department of Paraguay. Caacupé is known as the spiritual capital of Paraguay and is situated approximately 54 kilometers east of the national capital, Asunción.

Question 4

Where does Cooperativa SERRANA operate?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa SERRANA operates primarily within the Department of Cordillera in central Paraguay. As of December 2024, the cooperative maintains a physical presence through 5 branch offices, 1 agency, and 5 collection points.

The cooperative's main area of influence includes Caacupé and surrounding municipalities within Cordillera Department. Additional service points have been established in nearby communities including Piribebuy, Itacurubí de la Cordillera, Tobatí, and Itauguá to extend access to its member base across the region.

Question 5

What services does Cooperativa SERRANA offer?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa SERRANA offers a comprehensive range of financial and social services centered around the needs of its members:

Financial Services: The cooperative provides savings accounts, consumer credit products, and credit cards. Credit operations are primarily focused on the consumer lending sector, with loans designed to meet personal and family needs.

Digital Services: Members have access to "Serrana Online," a digital platform that provides 24-hour access to account management and transactions. This platform allows members to conduct banking operations remotely, reflecting the cooperative's adaptation to digital financial services.

Solidarity Services: The cooperative maintains a solidarity fund that provides various benefits including subsidies for medical expenses, surgical interventions, hospitalizations, births or adoptions, and support during times of hardship. Members also receive awards for educational achievements including high school graduations, university degrees, master's degrees, and doctorates. As of December 2024, the cooperative benefited 2,489 members through these solidarity programs.

Community Support: The cooperative partners with local businesses, pharmacies, and optical centers to provide member discounts. It operates its own dental clinic to ensure member well-being. Educational support extends to local schools, associations, municipalities, hospitals, foundations, and churches.

Additional Services: Members can access installment payment options and QR code payment capabilities through the cooperative's platforms.

Question 6

What makes Cooperativa SERRANA unique?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa SERRANA distinguishes itself through its strong commitment to both financial services and social solidarity principles that go beyond traditional banking.

The cooperative maintains an extensive solidarity program that provided over 1.698 billion Guaraníes in awards and subsidies in 2023, benefiting members during significant life events and emergencies. This includes support for medical needs, educational achievements, and family milestones.

Cooperativa SERRANA operates its own dental clinic for members and maintains active partnerships with local businesses to provide discounts and benefits. The cooperative also demonstrates commitment to community development through donations and support to educational institutions, religious organizations, sports clubs, and healthcare facilities throughout its service area.

The cooperative's governance structure emphasizes member participation and democratic decision-making, with 8 auxiliary committees covering education, admissions and solidarity, credit, recovery, compliance, consulting, sports, and risk management. This comprehensive committee structure ensures that member interests are represented across all operational areas.

Question 7

What type of financial institution is Cooperativa SERRANA?

Accepted Answer

Cooperativa SERRANA is a cooperativa multiactiva de ahorro y crédito (multiactive savings and credit cooperative), which is a specific type of financial cooperative recognized in Paraguay's regulatory framework.

In the Paraguayan context, multiactive cooperatives can engage in multiple cooperative activities beyond just financial services, including social, educational, and community development programs. This classification allows Cooperativa SERRANA to provide both traditional financial intermediation services (savings and credit) and complementary services that benefit members' overall well-being.

The cooperative is regulated by INCOOP (Instituto Nacional de Cooperativismo), the national authority overseeing Paraguay's cooperative sector. As a credit and savings cooperative, it participates in Paraguay's financial system while maintaining the cooperative governance model of democratic member ownership and control.

Credit cooperatives like Cooperativa SERRANA play a significant role in Paraguay's financial sector, with cooperatives representing approximately 12% of the banking financial sector in the country.

Cooperativa SERRANA

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About Cooperativa SERRANA in Paraguay