Financial Inclusion

What is Financial Inclusion?

Financial Inclusion aims to make financial services available to a vast number of people in developing countries who currently lack access to banking. Additionally, many micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in these regions are believed to be underserved, resulting in a significant yearly financing shortfall. Investments in this area not only provide essential capital but also bring about positive secondary effects such as local job creation, poverty reduction, empowerment of women, and improvements in education, health, and sanitation.

Microfinance involves offering loans to self-employed individuals and entrepreneurs, primarily women, who are engaged in various small-scale commercial activities such as running retail stores, producing handcrafted items, or working as street vendors, farmers, food processors, or traders.

SME Finance is focused on providing loans to small and medium enterprises. This financing supports a diverse array of services and sectors including agricultural, small-scale industrial, and manufacturing ventures, addressing the needs of what is often called "the missing middle."