Improving Access of the Poor to Financial Services

Team Leader: M. K. Mujeri

Executive Summary

Finance is a powerful intervention for economic growth especially in a resource-constrained developing country like Bangladesh. Access to finance especially to the poor is essential for promoting inclusive economic growth and eradicating poverty in the country. The country’s development strategy recognizes that socioeconomic opportunities and development in Bangladesh will be undermined if expanded financial services are not available especially to the poor and other disadvantaged groups who are deprived of access to these services and who need these services. An inclusive financial system provides a number of benefits to the economy. It makes available more resources for investment especially for the promotion of small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It creates employment opportunities, ensures economic and financial stability through reducing vulnerability and contributes to poverty reduction.