Millions of people are shut off from financial services because banks require forms of identification such as birth certificates or passports that they cannot afford to get. Or they are required to complete extensive paperwork but are unable to read. Without documentation, they cannot open their account. Opportunity is overcoming this hurdle through digital fingerprint scanning.

Every Opportunity savings client now receives a card with a biometric scan of their fingerprints embedded on a magnetic strip. They can prove their identity by scanning their finger at a teller's station or an ATM. Security is guaranteed because the biometrics can only be used by the authorized person. This technology has meant that for the first time, clients can conveniently and securely access their finances, even if they are illiterate or lack formal identification.

For decades, commercial banks have steered clear of serving people living in poverty because of the high cost involved in processing small transactions. By contrast, Opportunity has invested more than $20 million over the last 10 years in the use of electronic and mobile technologies to reduce transaction costs and bring services to the most marginalized and remote clients.