CACMU

What CACMU does

CACMU (Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Mujeres Unidas Tantanakushka Warmikunapac) is a Segment 2 savings and credit cooperative (COAC) founded in 2000 in Ibarra, Ecuador, by Janett Palacios León and Jaime Arturo Cadena with support from the Fundación Cooperación y Acción Comunitaria. It is regulated by the Superintendencia de Economía Popular y Solidaria (SEPS) and its deposits are insured by the Corporación del Seguro de Depósitos (COSEDE). The cooperative serves women microentrepreneurs, migrants and refugees, low-income households, smallholder farmers, and young entrepreneurs across the four northern Ecuador provinces of Imbabura, Carchi, Esmeraldas, and Pichincha, reaching 39,315+ members as of June 2026 through nine physical agencies plus the Servimóvil mobile unit.

The product portfolio spans savings (Ahorro a la Vista, Cuenta Básica, Ahorro Meta, Ahorro Empresarial, Ahorro Programado, Ahorro Cesantía, and fixed-term deposits from USD 100), credit (consumption loans USD 100-50,000, microcredit from 16.99% to 24.50%, housing loans from 9.80%, and guarantee letters), a VISA-branded DEUNA debit card, bundled insurance via partners Ecuaprimas and Privilegio, and payment/collection services. Core technology infrastructure includes the CACMU Contigo web transactional platform and mobile app, online credit and investment simulators, the Experto credit analysis system, and the CACMU-Verde sustainable finance operation anchored by the first EDGE-certified green building for a financial institution in Ecuador. Social ecosystem projects—CACMU-Verde, CACMU-Educa, CACMU-Emprende, and CACMU-Activismo—wrap financial services with environmental, educational, entrepreneurial, and gender-equality programming.

Revenue is generated primarily through net interest spread on lending versus deposits (loan rates of 9.80%-24.50% against savings rates of 1%-10%), supplemented by transaction fees on payment and collection services, VISA debit card interchange, insurance distribution commissions, and fees on fixed-term deposits. The go-to-market is hybrid: direct sales via 9 physical branches and Servimóvil, digital self-service through CACMU Contigo, and community-led acquisition through partner organizations (FOCI, ACNUR, Cruz Roja, Sparkassenstiftung, Ayuda en Acción, agricultural associations, and educational institutions), all under a cooperative governance structure led by Gerente General MSc. Jeaneth Chávez and an elected Consejo de Administración.

Name

CACMU

Legal name

Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Mujeres Unidas Tantanakushka Warmikunapac (CACMU Ltda.)

Website

https://www.cacmu.fin.ec

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

51–100 employees

Short description

CACMU is a financial institution offering financial and non-financial products and services for women.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Cooperative Banking / Microfinance

NAICS

Credit Unions (522130)

SIC

Savings Institutions, Not Federally Chartered (6036)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Development Credit Unions (CDCUs) (FSABAEAC)

akta.pro secondary industries

Financial Inclusion & Consumer Empowerment (Banking Access, Credit Building) (BPAGALAJ), Microfinance & Community P2P Lending (FSAKAHAD)

Keywords

• Cooperative banking services
• Microfinance lending
• Savings accounts
• Microcredit services
• Financial inclusion

Headquarters

HQ city

Ibarra

HQ country

Ecuador

HQ region

Latin America

Offices9 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Interest Income from Lending: Primary revenue stream from interest charged on microcredit, consumption loans, housing loans, and guarantee letters. Interest rates range from 9.80% to 24.50% depending on loan type and borrower profile
2. Savings Deposits: Accepts savings deposits including vista savings, basic accounts, goal-based savings, business savings, programmed savings, and severance savings, paying interest rates from 1% to 10%
3. Insurance Services: Health, life, disability, and burial insurance products offered to members starting from USD 1.00, providing ancillary revenue through insurance partnerships
4. Service Payments and Collections: Payment collection services for utilities, taxes, and private company services through physical and digital channels, generating transaction fees
5. Fixed Term Deposits: Fixed-term investment products with minimum USD 100 investment and terms starting from 30 days, paying monthly or maturity interest
6. Debit Card Services: VISA international debit cards providing card revenue through transaction fees and associated services

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

CACMU is a savings and credit cooperative (Segment 2 COAC) operating in northern Ecuador that provides a full suite of retail banking products — including savings accounts, fixed-term deposits, consumption loans, microcredit, housing loans, guarantee letters, VISA debit cards, insurance, and payment/collection services — primarily targeting women microentrepreneurs, migrants, low-income households, and rural populations. The cooperative complements its financial services with the proprietary CACMU Contigo digital banking platform, financial education through Escuela CACMU-Educa, sustainability initiatives through CACMU Verde (including the first EDGE-certified green financial institution building in Ecuador), and social programs through CACMU Activismo.

Product overview

CACMU is a Segment 2 financial cooperative offering a comprehensive portfolio of savings, credit, investment, and insurance products primarily serving women and vulnerable populations in northern Ecuador. Its core banking platform is anchored by savings accounts (Ahorro a la Vista, Cuenta Básica, Ahorro Meta, Ahorro Empresarial, Ahorro Programado, Ahorro Cesantía) and credit products (Crédito Consumo, Microcréditos, Crédito Inmobiliario, Cartas de Garantía). Supplementary services include the VISA DEUNA debit card, insurance offerings, payment/receivables services, and investment products (Depósito a Plazo Fijo). Digital engagement is enabled through the CACMU Contigo web and mobile banking platform, while social impact is delivered via Escuela CACMU-Educa (financial education), CACMU Verde (sustainable finance and coworking), and CACMU Activismo (gender equality campaigns). The cooperative positions itself as a values-driven institution focused on women's empowerment, environmental sustainability, and financial inclusion for rural and vulnerable populations.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• CACMU-Verde: Sustainable finance project combining green microcredit, environmental training, coworking spaces, business incubator, and social entrepreneurship support at the La Merced agency.
• Escuela CACMU-Educa
• CACMU-Emprende
• CACMU-Contigo

Products and services

• Ahorro a la Vista (Sight Savings) Demand savings account offering secure deposits with instant access, international debit card, ATM withdrawals, and bill payment services through the CACMU Contigo digital platform. Interest rate at 1%. For individual members seeking flexible savings.
• Cuenta Básica (Basic Savings Account) Entry-level basic savings account designed for financial inclusion, requiring no initial deposit or share certificates, with transactions via physical branches and electronic channels including the CACMU Contigo app and web. Includes COSEDE deposit insurance. For low-income individuals and migrant populations.
• Ahorro Meta (Goal Savings) Goal-based savings account allowing monthly deposits while maintaining fund accessibility for withdrawal upon reaching targets, with 3% interest rate. For members saving toward specific financial goals.
• Ahorro Empresarial (Business Savings) Business savings account providing immediate availability, monthly interest accrual based on average balance, and automatic debit services for invoice payments. USD 0.00 opening amount and no maintenance fees. For small businesses and microentrepreneurs.
• Ahorro Programado (Programmed Savings) Scheduled savings product with 7.5% interest rate, designed for reserve funds, bonuses, and profits, offering monthly interest availability and additional deposit flexibility. Free life and accident insurance for balances over USD 5,000.
• Ahorro Cesantía (Severance Savings) Long-term savings alternative with 7.5% to 10% interest rate and monthly interest capitalization, allowing secure retirement planning and reserve fund building. Minimum investment USD 50. For individual members planning for severance and retirement needs.
• Crédito Consumo (Consumption Loans) Personal loans for natural persons to purchase goods, services, or cover non-productive expenses. Amount range: USD 100 to 50,000. Terms: 1 to 72 months. Interest from 15.35%. Guarantee types: mortgage, pledge, signature, or solidarity.
• Microcréditos (Microcredit) Financing modality for microenterprise projects and entrepreneurs across various economic sectors, offered through solidarity, FOGAPS, or signature arrangements. Up to 60 months term. Interest from 16.99%. Sales-based tiers range from 24.50% (retail up to USD 20,000) down to 19.50% (extended accumulation). For microentrepreneurs without traditional collateral access.
• Crédito Inmobiliario (Housing Loans) Mortgage-backed loans for natural persons for property acquisition, construction, repair, remodeling, or improvement of owned real estate. Terms from 3 to 240 months. Interest from 9.80%. Mortgage guarantee required.
• Cartas de Garantía (Guarantee Letters) Guarantee letters issued to natural and legal persons, covering up to 1% of cooperative equity. Maximum 60 months term. Interest from 4%. For contractors requiring guarantee instruments.
• Depósito a Plazo Fijo (Fixed-Term Deposits) Fixed-term investment product where funds are invested with the institution for a specified period, returning principal plus interest at maturity or with monthly interest options. Minimum USD 100 investment. Variable terms starting from 30 days.
• Tarjeta de Débito VISA DEUNA CACMU (VISA International Debit Card) International VISA debit card enabling cashless purchases at merchants, ATM withdrawals domestically and internationally, with contactless technology and real-time transaction notifications. For cooperative members needing payment card services.
• Seguros CACMU (Insurance Products) Range of insurance products including health (starting from USD 1.00), life and medical expenses, mortgage/debt coverage, funeral expenses, and income protection for unemployment or temporary disability. Distributed through partnerships with Ecuaprimas and Privilegio. For cooperative members seeking risk protection.
• Pagos y Recaudaciones (Payment and Collection Services) Payment services for utilities, taxes, private company collections, and financial entity services available at branches, via automatic debit, or through CACMU Contigo electronic channels. For members and the general public needing bill payment services.
• CACMU Contigo (Web Transaccional y App Móvil Digital Banking Platform) Digital banking platform providing account access, balance inquiries, transfers, and service payments via web and mobile application 24/7. For cooperative members seeking self-service banking.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 39,315 members, partners, and clients served as of June 2026
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• FOCI - Federación de Organizaciones Comunitarias de ImbaburacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 July 2026Strategic cooperation agreement to enhance local development through joint efforts. FOCI and CACMU collaborate on programs supporting women entrepreneurs, financial inclusion, and social projects including the Fondo Semilla program for San Blas women entrepreneurs. FOCI also provides recognition for CACMU's social labor.
• Deutsche Sparkassenstiftung (DSIK)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 July 2026International cooperation partnership through 'Tejiendo Redes' encounter focused on improving financial and labor inclusion for people in human mobility situations. Includes Design Thinking workshops and focus group facilitation.
• ACNUR - UNHCRcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 July 2026Partnership providing financial education and circular economy training to women entrepreneurs served by ACNUR. Part of EC-444 project targeting Venezuelan migrants and vulnerable populations in northern Ecuador.
• Misión ScalabrinianaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 June 2026Humanitarian organization partnership providing financial education and circular economy training to people in human mobility and Ecuadorian citizens.
• Cruz Roja Ecuatoriana Junta Provincial de ImbaburacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 19 June 2026Strategic cooperation agreement enabling joint campaigns, exclusive benefits, and humanitarian support focused on community wellbeing and health. Partnership combines CACMU's financial services with Cruz Roja's humanitarian expertise.
• Sparkassenstiftung AlemanacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 May 2026German Sparkassen Foundation partnership for institutional strengthening including focus group workshops with transport, food, and beverage sector entrepreneurs, and Design Thinking training for CACMU administrative team.
• Instituto Superior Tecnológico ITCAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 13 May 2026Technical education partnership creating effective channels for educational, technical, and professional development for students and CACMU members.
• CONAFIPSminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 March 2026Second Productive Impulse Jornada where CACMU members exhibited products at emblematic Fábrica Imbabura. CONAFIPS drives productive development initiatives.
• UPROCACH - Unión Provincial de Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito de ChimborazominorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 January 2026Internship exchange program where UPROCACH and affiliated cooperatives (Chunchi, País, 26 de Septiembre, Nueva Esperanza, Ichubamba) visited CACMU to learn about institutional model and women-focused approach.
• Ayuda en AcciónminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 October 2025Joint financial education training for migrant entrepreneurs conducted at CACMU facilities, strengthening economic and social inclusion.
• RFD - Red de Instituciones Financieras de DesarrollocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 September 2025Network partnership providing financial inclusion forums, agroecology programs, and ATLAS transparency certification. CACMU participates in RFD jornadas and received multiple recognitions.
• CRESOL AAminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 3 December 2024Brazilian cooperative visiting for follow-up on 'Aprendizaje Integrador para Jóvenes y Mujeres de las Cooperativas' project. CRESOL AA is part of international cooperative network including AGRICORD.
• AGRICORDminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 June 2024International agricultural cooperative network. CACMU participated in AGRICORD & CRESOL seminar in Brazil on sustainable agriculture, food system transformation, and farmer knowledge sharing.
• EMCOPRODEminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting Partner · 1 January 2020Consulting firm that developed the CACMU-Verde sustainable finance project design in collaboration with Triodos Bank and Procesos Urbanos architectural firm.
• EcuaprimasminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2020Insurance partner providing health, life, accident, and burial insurance products distributed through CACMU's branch network.
• PrivilegiominorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2020Insurance partner complementing Ecuaprimas offerings with additional insurance products for CACMU members.
• COSEDE - Corporación del Seguro de DepósitoscoreOthers · 1 January 2013Deposit insurance corporation providing deposit protection for CACMU savings. Mandatory membership for all Segment 2 cooperatives.
• UCACNOR - Unión de Cooperativas de Ahorro y Crédito del NorteminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2005Northern Ecuador cooperative credit union association providing regional coordination and representation.
• FINANCOOP - Caja Central CooperativaminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2004Central cooperative bank membership providing financial services and liquidity support to member cooperatives.
• Red Financiera RuralminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2002Rural financial network membership providing access to resources, training, and industry representation for rural financial institutions.

Scale indicators8 records

Recent moves11 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito Jardín Azuayo: Ecuadorian Segment 1 savings and credit cooperative headquartered in Cuenca, serving southern Ecuador with a similar deposit-taking, microcredit and financial inclusion model. Comparable as a cooperative competitor operating under the same SEPS regulatory framework.
• Cooperativa Maquita Cushunchic: Ecuadorian cooperative with a similar mission of financial inclusion for low-income and indigenous populations. Directly comparable as a women- and community-focused cooperative offering savings, credit and educational programs.
• Banco Solidario: Ecuadorian microfinance bank with the largest microcredit portfolio in Ecuador. Closely comparable to CACMU's core microcredit and SME lending franchise, though operating as a regulated bank rather than cooperative.
• Pro Mujer: Latin American development organization providing financial services, health and education to women in low-income communities across Bolivia, Mexico, Nicaragua, Peru, Colombia and Argentina. Directly comparable women-focused microfinance mission and member base profile.
• Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito 29 de Octubre: One of the largest cooperatives in Ecuador operating under SEPS regulation. Comparable product suite (savings, credit, investments) and member-owned governance model, though at materially greater scale than CACMU.
• Cooperativa de Ahorro y Crédito San Francisco de Asís: Ecuadorian Segment 2 cooperative operating in the northern region with comparable deposit-taking, microcredit and community financial inclusion offerings. Direct peer based on shared geography, SEPS segment classification and product mix.

Broad incumbents

• Banco Pichincha: Largest private commercial bank in Ecuador with national footprint. Competes with CACMU on deposits, payments and consumer credit, but does not focus on the women microentrepreneur and rural segment CACMU serves.
• Compartamos Banco: Mexican microfinance bank serving low-income women entrepreneurs. Closely analogous business model and target customer to CACMU, though at significantly larger scale and operating under Mexican banking regulation.

Regional players

• Mi Banco (Banco de la Microempresa): Peruvian microfinance bank serving small entrepreneurs and microenterprises. Comparable microcredit product design and target customer base, but operates in Peru rather than Ecuador.

Others

• Women's World Banking: Global non-profit network of financial institutions serving women. CACMU is a peer member institution via its women-focused mission; provides benchmarking, technical assistance and ecosystem connectivity relevant to CACMU's strategic direction.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/cooperativacacm
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/cooperativa-cacmu
• Instagraminstagram.com/cacmu
• Facebookfacebook.com/cooperativacacmu

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about CACMU