Imagine what the world would be like without banks—no savings, no credit, no ATMs, no safe place to keep your money. That is the reality for some three billion people who live every day without services we in North America take for granted.

We're committed to go beyond local microfinance start-ups to building nation-wide banks for the economically marginalized. Since 2000, we have built 17 banks in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and Latin America. Opportunity bank branches now reach places where the locals don't even have a word for 'bank'.

Why build banks and not just non-profit organizations?

• Sustainability - microfinance banks "scale up" rapidly and become fully self-supporting.
• Range of Services - in many countries, only financial institutions like banks can legally accept savings deposits. Non-profits can typically only offer microloans.
• Growth - microfinance banks leverage commercial loans and savings deposits to further expand their services.
• Efficiency—high-tech information systems lower transaction costs at our banks, allowing us to serve more clients

Opportunity banks offer the professionalism and security of a commercial bank, but with a singular focus on those living in poverty. Our banks have become part of the economic infrastructure of many developing countries, opening a lasting door of opportunity to those who were previously excluded.

If you are interested in playing a major part in helping small-scale entrepreneurs make poverty history, please contact Doris Olafsen for our latest bank-building plans.

Are your banks for-profit?