Bank lending in Brazil slipped into negative territory at the start of 2026, signaling a potential cooling in credit conditions after months of expansion. According to the latest data updated on 25 February 2026, bank lending declined by 0.2% in January 2026 on a month-over-month basis.
The setback contrasts with December 2025, when bank lending had increased by 1.8% compared with November, underscoring a sharp reversal in momentum. The current figure reflects a month-over-month comparison of January to December, while the previous reading measured December’s growth versus November.
The negative print may point to softer demand for credit or tighter lending standards in the Brazilian banking sector, and will likely draw close attention from investors and policymakers monitoring the pace of financial activity in early 2026.