By The Rio Times | Created at 2026-08-09 19:11:37 | Updated at 2026-08-09 21:12:25
2 hours ago
Colombia · Digital Banking
Key Facts
—Separation date. Nequi becomes an independent financing company on 1 September 2026.
—Existing loans untouched. Rates, terms, instalments and payment schedules for current borrowers do not change.
—New loans unchanged. The process for requesting a new loan inside the app stays exactly the same.
—Regulatory shift. Nequi will be supervised by the Superintendencia Financiera and deposits backed by Fogafín.
—Loan range. Consumer credit runs from 50,000 to 5,550,000 Colombian pesos (about US$12 to US$1,360), with terms of 1 to 48 months.
For Nequi borrowers in Colombia, the short answer is reassuring: existing loan conditions stay the same, the app experience does not change, and new credit requests work exactly as before when the platform becomes an independent financing company on 1 September 2026.
One-stop reference
Company Intelligence
Every listed company in Latin America — financials, ownership and structure for 1,450+ companies across 26 exchanges, in one place.
The big shift Nequi is making
Nequi will stop operating as part of Bancolombia and become a standalone financing company under Grupo Cibest. The change takes effect on 1 September 2026.
This is a legal and regulatory restructuring, not a product overhaul. The company has publicly stated that the app, customer service channels and the entire user experience will remain the same.
What stays exactly the same for Nequi borrowers in Colombia
Every loan already signed keeps its original interest rate, term, monthly instalment and payment calendar. Borrowers do not need to sign anything new or take any action.
The process for requesting a new loan inside the app also remains unchanged. Nequi has confirmed that the credit application flow, risk analysis and disbursement will work the same way after the separation.
How Nequi loans work today
Nequi offers low-amount consumer credit ranging from 50,000 to 5,550,000 Colombian pesos (about US$12 to US$1,360). Repayment terms run from 1 to 48 months, depending on the borrower’s profile and the loan amount.
The loans carry a fixed interest rate and allow early repayment without penalty. The maximum loan amount in Nequi’s published regulations does not exceed 106 UVT, a Colombian tax value unit that adjusts annually.
New regulator, new deposit protection
As an independent financing company, Nequi will fall under the supervision of the Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia, the country’s financial watchdog. This replaces its previous oversight structure under Bancolombia’s banking licence.
User deposits will be backed by Fogafín, Colombia’s deposit insurance fund. For savers and borrowers alike, this adds a layer of protection that was previously indirect through Bancolombia.
What the separation means for investors and the fintech landscape
Nequi’s move to a standalone licence is one of the most significant fintech developments in Latin America this year. The platform has built a user base of millions in Colombia and the separation signals maturity beyond its origins as a digital wallet inside a traditional bank.
For investors watching Colombia’s digital finance space, the restructuring under Grupo Cibest creates a pure-play fintech vehicle with its own balance sheet and regulatory standing. The unchanged loan book provides continuity while the new licence opens room for product expansion down the line.
What borrowers should watch next
Nequi has also given users more control over transaction limits. Customers can now adjust their withdrawal and transfer caps directly from the app, with a maximum of three changes per day.
The company has not announced any changes to its credit products after the transition. Borrowers should watch for any updated terms of service or product notifications in the app as the September date approaches, but the stated position is continuity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do anything with my existing Nequi loan before September 2026?
No. Nequi has confirmed that all current loan conditions, including the interest rate, term and monthly payment, remain exactly the same.
You do not need to sign new documents or take any action.
Will I still be able to request a new loan through the Nequi app?
Yes. The company says the process for requesting new credit will not change.
The app, the application flow and the risk analysis will work the same way after Nequi becomes an independent financing company.
Is my money still protected after Nequi leaves Bancolombia?
Yes. As a regulated financing company, Nequi will be supervised by the Superintendencia Financiera de Colombia and user deposits will be backed by Fogafín, the national deposit insurance fund.
This provides direct protection that was previously indirect through Bancolombia.
