Financial inclusion is a crucial lever: it enables everyone, especially the most vulnerable populations, to access basic financial services, secure their daily lives, develop projects, and more broadly, take part in economic life. It directly contributes to poverty reduction and more shared prosperity.
Each year, BNP Paribas measures the number of beneficiaries of products and services that promote financial inclusion. This indicator includes Nickel’s clients as well as microcredit beneficiaries supported by our microfinance institution partners. In 2022, 3.3 million people were supported through initiatives; by 2026, the Group aims to reach 6.2 million, reflecting a strong dynamic, both in Europe and in many regions across the world.
beneficiaries of financial inclusion products and services in 2025
Nickel, a key driver of financial inclusion in Europe
In 2025, Nickel continued its expansion across Europe, offering simple, universal financial solutions, accessible to all – particularly to populations underserved by traditional banking systems. In France, the subsidiary of the Group launched its first savings product in partnership with Cetelem. In Belgium, it strengthened its presence by becoming the first payment account distribution network through a strategic partnership with the country's postal network, bpost. As a result, Nickel has reinforced its role as a leading proximity-based financial inclusion player across five countries (Belgium, France, Germany, Spain and Portugal), with around 5 million accounts opened and an increasingly dense and accessible distribution network.
Inclusive finance, supporting the economic empowerment of vulnerable populations
For over 35 years, BNP Paribas has supported the microfinance sector promoting the economic empowerment of vulnerable populations, in Europe and around the world (Africa, the Americas and Asia). As of end-2025, the Group had mobilised more than 421 million euros for its Microfinance Institution partners (MFI), helping to support around 520.000 beneficiaries.
Among the highlights in 2025 was the signing of 10 million euros ISLF+, an innovative and Inclusive Sustainability-Linked Financing solution, with Qredits, a leading Dutch MFI. This financing will support women entrepreneurs, business creation, and the energy transition of micro and small enterprises in the Netherlands.
Since 2021, the use of the MESIS methodology (Measuring and Monitoring Social Impact) has enabled BNP Paribas to assess the social performance of its MFI partners. The results are published annually, providing key insights into the impact of MFI activities, across economic, social, and environmental dimensions – demonstrating that finance can be a powerful driver of innovation in building a more inclusive future.
