BRAC Nirbhorota Loan

Microfinance evolved in Bangladesh from the philosophy that people living in poverty are 'bankable'. It enables families to build assets, smooth consumption, and reduce vulnerability to shocks such as health or natural disasters. Yet, there was one segment that remained largely excluded: salaried workers with moderate to low incomes. Notably, this 'missing middle' demographic is the largest segment of the country's economy.

In November 2017 BRAC's microfinance programme introduced the 'Nirbhorota Loan', to this underserved population. Over 7,000 jobholders across Bangladesh had applied for loans at least once since it was piloted in September 2015.