Faces
of Inclusion
Behind every loan, every account, and every remittance is a story. A goal. A challenge. A future in the making.
This Banking on Values Day, we spotlight the real faces behind the numbers and explore what becomes possible when finance serves people and communities.
Barriers to Financial Inclusion
Access is only the beginning
Financial inclusion has come a long way. Today, 79% of adults globally have a financial account, up from 62% in 2014, according to the World Bank.
But financial inclusion isn’t just about opening an account. It’s credit on fair terms, a safe place to save, and the chance to build a better future or face an unexpected turn.
To explore the many faces of exclusion, we surveyed banks across the Global Alliance for Banking on Values about the barriers that still prevent people, businesses, and communities from fully participating in economic life.
Here is what we found:
Most excluded groups
53%
Low-income households
45%
Migrants and refugees
41%
Rural or remote communities
29%
Women
27%
MSMEs
Main barriers
Lack of collateral or eligibility requirements
62% of respondents
Limited financial literacy
or awareness
42%
Lack of documentation
or legal identity
38%
High cost of
financial services
29%
Products and services not adapted to people's needs
27%
Most effective approaches
52%
Relationship banking
50%
Tailored financial products
41%
Financial literacy initiatives
*Responses from 66 GABV member banks in 45 countries between July and September 2026.
Read the full article
The Costs
The Cost of Exclusion
Financial exclusion comes at a cost. It holds back entrepreneurs, limits business growth, and perpetuates vulnerability and inequality.
The cost is measured not only in missed opportunities for individuals, but also in lost potential for entire economies.
14-30% growth
Broader access to financial services could boost GDP by up to 14% in large emerging economies and as much as 30% in frontier economies.
_
Source: EY
USD 5.7T
The financing gap holding back micro, medium and small businesses and entrepreneurs.
_
Source: IFC
1 in 2 adults
In emerging and developing economies cannot cope financially with an unexpected emergency.
_
Source: World Bank
740M women
In developing economies remain outside the formal financial system, limiting economic participation.
_
Source: World Bank
Stories
Different faces. One movement
Behind every statistic is a person, a business, or a community with aspirations, challenges, and opportunities. The stories below highlight the many faces behind the movement for a more inclusive financial system.
Tela Nasqu, Centenary Bank
Centenary Bank
- Uganda
Grace Pomaa, Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd
Opportunity International Savings and Loans Ltd
- Ghana
Patience Maranga, LAPO Microfinance Bank
LAPO Microfinance Bank
- Nigeria
Indianápolis Encarnación Montero, Banco Ademi
Banco Ademi
- Dominican Republic
Julio César Mejía Durán, Banco Integral
Banco Integral
- El Salvador
Nora Garzón Astudillo, Banco Mundo Mujer
Banco Mundo Mujer
- Colombia
From barriers to solutions
Across the world, values-based banks are creating solutions that help people, businesses and communities take part fully in the economy. Explore examples of products, programmes and initiatives that are making financial inclusion possible, in practice.
Caja Arequipa
- Latin America and the Caribbean
Who We Are
Banking on Values Day
10 November – GLOBALLY
The Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV) is an independent network of banks and banking cooperatives, on a shared mission to deliver economic, social and environmental impact through finance.
On Banking on Values Day, our member banks across 48 countries come together to show what banking can, and should, do for people and the planet. In 2026, the spotlight is on financial inclusion.
48
Countries
50M+
Customers served
100K
Co-workers
Take Action
Join the Movement
Spread the Word
Financial inclusion starts with awareness. Share the stories, figures, and messages behind Banking on Values Day.
Bank on your Values
Where you bank matters. Explore financial institutions committed to creating positive social, environmental, and economic impact.
Working in Banking?
Discover how your institution measures up against the Principles of Values-Based Banking and identify opportunities to deepen your impact.
Go Deeper
Understanding the Barriers
Position Paper on Financial Inclusion
Accessibility, Affordability, and Applicability are the three main barriers to financial inclusion identified by the GABV. Download this paper and explore how values-based banks are addressing them.
Climate Adaptation & Resilience
Advancing Climate Adaptation and Resilience in Banking: A Values-Based Perspective
By connecting climate adaptation with financial inclusion, this white paper shows how finance can help create more resilient and equitable communities.
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