Everything you wanted to know about debt delinquency (and now you can ask)

The debate surrounding delinquency and missed loan payments in Argentina has intensified, with a post on social media garnering millions of views. Matías Fernández, founder of Pública research firm, analyzed Central Bank data to shed light on the issue. His post highlighted that Mercado Pago, a fintech company backed by President Milei's supporter, Marcos Galperín, had a better track record than other lenders in terms of delinquency rates.

The fintech sector, which uses digital software to deliver financial services, charges significantly higher interest rates compared to traditional banks. Fernández's analysis, based on public data, sparked a heated debate, with some accusing him of promoting the interests of his clients. Critics argued that the analysis favored the company he works for, while supporters praised the transparency of his approach.

The real challenge lies in the accessibility and comprehension of public data, which is often difficult to understand due to its complex format and terminology. This gap in data accessibility has led to misinformation and a lack of clarity for those affected by delinquency. To address this issue, The Herald has developed a chatbot called "Deudores" that provides answers to questions related to delinquency, credit, borrowers, and interest rates in Argentina's financial system.

The chatbot draws information from the Central Bank's Financial System Debtors' Registry, the Central Bank's interest rate series, the semiannual report on non-financial credit providers, ARCA's taxpayer rolls, and data from INDEC. By offering an accessible and clear source of information, "Deudores" aims to empower users to better understand their financial situation and make informed decisions.