Desenrola 3.0: Government Buys Debts to Relieve Families
New phase of the program aims to curb over-indebtedness through portfolio auctions
On Friday (25), the federal government announced Desenrola 3.0, a new phase of the debt renegotiation program that will purchase credit portfolios from banks. The measure was unveiled in São Paulo, just days before the presidential elections.
How debt purchases work
Unlike previous versions, the state will stop acting as a mediator between debtor and financial institution and will instead acquire credit portfolios at a discount through auctions. The government estimates that discounts could reach up to 90%, with the savings passed on to households for settlement or installment payments.
Who is eligible
The program will focus on credit card debt (installment and revolving) and non-payroll personal loans up to R$ 10,000 that are between two and four and a half years overdue. The Ministry of Finance may set additional income criteria for selecting beneficiaries.
Fiscal impact and budget
The National Treasury plans to spend around R$ 15 billion to acquire a R$ 150 billion debt stock, representing a fiscal cost well below the total value of the liabilities thanks to the projected discount. According to Minister Bruno Moretti, there will be no increase in overall spending; the funds will be reallocated within the 2027 budget.
Auction timeline and phases
The first auction is scheduled for November 2026, with the purchase conducted by the Treasury or a federal financial institution. Banks must submit their bids in December, which will be approved in January; contracts are set to be signed the following month, with discounts passed on to debtors in February.
Differences from previous versions
In previous phases, renegotiations were handled individually between debtor and bank. Now, the government is taking over the purchase of portfolios, eliminating the need for each household to contact financial institutions. As President Lula highlighted, “Before, people had to go to a bank. Now, the government will buy people’s debt.”
With information from G1, VEJA, Folha de S.Paulo.
Source: G1, VEJA, Folha de S.Paulo