BRAC is a pioneer of microfinance and also the world’s largest microfinance institution. Our 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.
Our journey began with expanding access to financial services through microloans for those who needed them most. Over time, we also introduced savings services and our microfinance clients strengthened their financial autonomy by engaging with us not only as borrowers, but also as committed savers. Building on this foundation, we introduced additional financial services that help strengthen their resilience—such as microinsurance.
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.
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.
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. Financial services are a powerful tool to help people manage irregular income, minimize risks, respond to shocks, and invest for the future. Ensuring access to them is a vital component of our holistic development approach.
We also offer a wide variety of customised savings, loans, and insurance products in a solutions ecosystem approach. 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. We complement our microfinance initiatives with highly contextualised social development projects to amplify the impact of financial inclusion.
Our services are delivered by people from the same communities as our clients, so they understand the needs of people they work with. We use community-based approaches, like organising women into support networks in which they work together to change their financial futures.
MICROFINANCE AT A GLANCE
16M+
people accessed microfinance services through BRAC
8M
people accessed USD 6 billion in microloans from BRAC in 2024
15M
people collectively saved USD 2.19 billion 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. We complement our microfinance initiatives with highly contextualised social development projects to amplify the impact of financial inclusion.
Client Protection Certification
BRAC Microfinance has earned the Gold Level in Client Protection Certification (CPC) 2025, awarded by MFR. We are among the few organisations worldwide and the first in Bangladesh to achieve this high standard.
This milestone reaffirms our commitment to people-centric finance and to serving clients with dignity, fairness and trust.
Branch locations
We are currently delivering services through more than 3,100 branches across Bangladesh.
To see the locations of branch offices click here.
EXPLORE IMPACT STORIES
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BRAC microfinance: Securing a climate-smart Bangladesh
An article in The Daily Star explores how BRAC's microfinance programs in Bangladesh are helping communities adapt to climate change.
Our initiatives focus on climate-adaptive technology, biodiversity conservation, and resilience-building measures, including microinsurance, mechanization, post-harvest storage, adaptive seeds, and tailored financing. -Arinjoy Dhar, Senior Director, Microfinance programme, BRAC
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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
