Inclusive banking
Around three billion people in emerging economies survive on less than US$2 a day, while millions more in developed countries live in relative poverty. Access to the financial system can help these people to improve their lives. Working with them is a key focus for us as we seek to build financial inclusion and understanding.
For Barclays, inclusive banking means helping those who are excluded from the financial system to join and benefit from it. Financially excluded and unbanked people range from poor individuals in the developing world to small businesses struggling to borrow money in developed countries. Financial inclusion involves providing financial products tailored to people’s needs and empowering them to use these products to build a better and more sustainable future.
Basic bank accounts
We have designed basic bank accounts tailored to the needs of lower-income people in Africa, Asia and the UK.
Financing micro-enterprises
Absa set up a dedicated Enterprise Finance unit to make funding more readily available to microenterprises in South Africa.
Community finance
We partner with microfinance institutions, credit unions and Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) in several countries.
Global partnership
Barclays launched a partnership with CARE International, Plan International and Accenture to provide access to basic savings and loans products.
