BRAC’s radical decision in 1973 to implement large-scale trust-based finance—offering small loans to people without capital—redefined financial services in Bangladesh, and eventually across the world.
With 3 out 4 people in Bangladesh not having access to a bank account, small loans provide a way for people to invest in their families, their communities—and their aspirations.
BRAC is currently the world’s biggest microfinance institution. We now offer a wide variety of customised savings, loans, and—more recently—insurance products. 12.5 million people accessed microinsurance through BRAC in 2024, and almost a million people are currently accessing crop and livestock insurance.
MICROFINANCE AT A GLANCE
14M+
people accessed microfinance services through BRAC
$6 billion
dispersed in microloans, primarily to women, in 2024
$2 billion
saved by clients in savings accounts in 2024
What is financial inclusion?
Empowering women to lead economic change
Only one-third of the formal bank accounts in Bangladesh are owned by women, and women historically face multiple barriers to fully participating in the economy. 92.5% of our loans were taken out by women in 2024, and 62% of them reported that they have control over income and family resources.
Financing pathways to self-reliance and climate resilience
Our financial products provide a way for people to pursue self-reliance rather than relying on aid. Examples of these products include migration loans for skilled workers, device loans for young entrepreneurs in the digital sector, and loans to equip people to adapt to climate impacts, such as to install rainwater harvesting systems. In 2024, 82% of our clients reported an increase in average household income after accessing micro financial services.
EXPLORE IMPACT STORIES
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Stitch by stitch: Jhorna’s journey from a $50 loan to welcoming royalty
An article in The Daily Star explores how BRAC's microfinance programs in Bangladesh are helping communities adapt to climate change.
Jhorna Fabrics began with one sewing machine, one room and a bundle of fabric purchased from the market with a $50 microloan. But with steady investment and hard work, Jhorna grew it into a boutique fit for the Queen of the Netherlands. -Jhorna, microfinance borrower
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Scaling up crop insurance to tackle the global food crisis: Insights from Bangladesh
The world is already facing a global food crisis, and it is expected to worsen, with climate impacts anticipated to wipe out 30% of the world’s food production by 2050. Our biggest strength in facing this crisis are the people most exposed to it – smallholder farmers..
Potato crops are like procrastinating students before exams – they do most of the work in the last week of their growth cycle. -Shakila, BRAC microinsurance client
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Putting farmers first: Introducing seasonal loans from BRAC Microfinance
Where does the food on your plate come from? In Bangladesh, food security is primarily maintained by the agricultural sector. However, challenges exist in financing agricultural activities, particularly for farmers living in vulnerable conditions.
I have taken seasonal loans from BRAC up to eight times, because of its convenient repayment schemes. -Foyjunessa, BRAC microfinance borrower
It’s very convenient to have savings on a mobile bank. I can make payment of bills anytime anywhere.”
Noorbanu
Client, BRAC Microfinance
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