Articles
Business intelligence and analysis on Ecuador
Ecuador's Competition Regulator Approves Dunkin' Donuts Asset Acquisition
The Superintendencia de Competencia Económica (SCE) has authorized Restaurantes Unidos Restaunsa S.A. to acquire the productive and operational assets of Donut House S.A., which operates the Dunkin' Donuts brand in Ecuador. The SCE's analysis concluded the transaction poses no significant risks to competition.
Ecuador's Cooperative Sector Shows Stability Amidst El Niño Concerns
Ecuador's largest savings and credit cooperatives have demonstrated improved performance in key indicators through July 2026, including a reduction in the delinquency rate. However, the sector faces potential challenges from the anticipated El Niño phenomenon and associated risks.
Mabe Commits $35 Million to New Guayaquil Washing Plant
Mabe, a major appliance manufacturer, is investing $35 million in a new washing machine manufacturing plant in Guayaquil, Ecuador. Scheduled to begin operations in early 2027, this facility is projected to produce over 90,000 units annually for local and regional markets.
El Niño 2026-2027: Anticipating Economic Impact on Ecuador's Productive Sector
Ecuador's productive sector faces potential significant economic impact from the strengthening El Niño phenomenon, with historical data from 1997-1998 showing 52.8% of national losses absorbed by businesses. Current forecasts indicate a high probability of a historic intensity event by late 2026, emphasizing the need for operational resilience.
Ecuador’s Banking Watchlist Identifies 74 Unauthorized Operators in 2026
September 9 reporting highlights 74 entries in the banking regulator’s 2026 unauthorized-entity registry. A check of the official list confirms the count.
Ecuador's Sixth IMF Review Sets a Conditional $390 Million Financing Test
Ecuador's sixth IMF review is expected around September 15, 2026. A compliant review could release about $390 million, with $1.270 billion still pending under the $5 billion program, but the payment is not yet approved.
Ecuador’s Credit-Information Reform Opens a New Data Layer for Utility Payments
A resolution effective August 20 allows utility-payment behavior to be considered supplementary credit information, but does not automatically transfer every household record to the bureau. The implementation window runs up to 18 months for the Superintendencia and one year for SEPS.
Ecuador Economy Grew 2% in the First Half, With Services and Manufacturing Leading
The Central Bank says Ecuador's economy grew 2% year over year from January through June 2026. Services, manufacturing, construction, and commerce expanded, while petroleum, mining, and primary production contracted.
Only 18 Ecuadorian Car-Purchase Plan Firms Meet the Reported Legal Requirements
Ecuador’s programmed vehicle-purchase market has 7,669 contracts so far in 2026, but a trade group says only 18 companies meet the relevant capital and compliance requirements. The warning matters for consumers and financial operators.
Ecuador’s New Household Basket Now Tracks 98 Goods and Services
Ecuador’s INEC updated the basic household basket from 75 to 98 goods and services. The July 2026 reference cost is USD 825.17, with food and beverages plus housing and services representing about 77% of the total.
Ecuador’s Insurance Sector Gets New AML Compliance Duties
New anti-money-laundering rules for Ecuador’s insurance sector took effect August 17. They add compliance structures and deadlines across insurers, reinsurers, intermediaries, and insurance brokers.
Davita’s Cendialcon Deal Puts Dialysis Payment Cycles Under the Microscope
Ecuador’s competition authority approved Davita’s acquisition of Cendialcon. The transaction sits inside a dialysis market where 88% of patients are referred to private clinics and Cendialcon reported USD 5.71 million in receivables.