Background and Relevance of CAME
The Consejo de Asistencia al Microemprendedor (CAME) is a Mexican financial institution that supports micro and small entrepreneurs. It operates through its subsidiary, the Sociedad Financiera Popular (Sofipo). CAME has been a significant player in the microfinance sector, providing essential financial services to millions of small business owners.
Wage Issues at Sofipo CAME
Sofipo CAME employees have been facing unpaid wages for several weeks, even before the company experienced operational interruptions. Former employees claim that CAME has failed to pay their full labor rights, including the last two weeks of work in March 2025 and a termination package that was forced upon them without considering other options.
Forced Investment Scheme
Many employees were coerced into purchasing company shares through a loan scheme. Current employees were forced to sign new contracts under a different legal entity, causing uncertainty about their current working conditions.
Impact on Customers and Lack of Official Response
The situation at CAME has affected over 1.3 million customers, who are left in uncertainty due to the lack of an official response from relevant authorities.
- Comisión Nacional Bancaria y de Valores (CNBV): Has imposed four sanctions on Sofipo CAME totaling 4,795,740 pesos since 2020. These penalties are mainly due to failures in anti-money laundering controls and control internal issues.
- Comisión Nacional para la Protección y Defensa de los Usuarios de Servicios Financieros (Condusef): Has not disclosed the number of recent complaints received. Their limited public statements only mention the sanctions imposed on Sofipo CAME.
Techcreo CAME App Interruption
Since April 1, CAME has prevented users from conducting operations through the Techcreo CAME app. Techcreo, which operated the platform, has distanced itself from the situation through a recent statement.
CAME claims that the Techcreo platform never experienced intermittent issues; instead, it was their decision to disrupt the service. They emphasize that financial products offered through the app are their responsibility.
Employee Testimony
An anonymous Sofipo CAME employee shared their concerns about the unfolding situation:
No one knows anything. In the area where I work, the branches are likely to close on April 30. This means we’ll be in the same situation as my former colleagues. No one is providing accurate information, not even Pablo Varela, the director, or our administrative supervisors. The branches are open but without operations. Essentially, we’re just sitting here, unsure of our future with the company.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is CAME? The Consejo de Asistencia al Microemprendedor (CAME) is a Mexican financial institution that supports micro and small entrepreneurs through its subsidiary, Sociedad Financiera Popular (Sofipo).
- Why are Sofipo CAME employees facing wage issues? Employees claim that CAME has failed to pay their full labor rights, including the last two weeks of work in March 2025 and a termination package that was forced upon them without considering other options.
- What is the impact on customers? Over 1.3 million customers are affected by the situation, with uncertainty surrounding their financial services due to the lack of an official response from relevant authorities.
- Why has the Techcreo CAME app been disrupted? CAME claims that the Techcreo platform never experienced intermittent issues; instead, it was their decision to disrupt the service. Financial products offered through the app are CAME’s responsibility.
