The Economic Opportunity for Financial Inclusion of Forcibly Displaced People (FDP) by the Financial Sector in Brazil

This study was commissioned by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) to identify opportunities that foster the financial inclusion of the community of Forcibly Displaced People (FDP) in Brazil. The study provides concrete business opportunities for the provision of sustainable financial services to refugees and migrants in the country. It also provides recommendations for the financial sector and other stakeholders who aim to serve the FDP community locally. For the study, the term FDP includes both refugees and migrants, from different nationalities, living in Brazil for more than six months. The following analysis and insights are based on a comprehensive market assessment on the current demand and supply of financial and non-financial services for FDP in Brazil. An online survey resulted from 1,070 respondents captured data on the socioeconomic profiles of the FDP population in Brazil, as well as their needs for financial and non-financial services. On the demand side, 20 individual in-depth interviews and 8 focus groups with refugees and migrants mainly from Venezuela, Bolivia, and Haiti were conducted. On the supply side, desk research was conducted, and interviews were held with representatives from 16 Brazilian Financial Service Providers (FSPs), including: large private banks, mid-sized private financial institutions, fintech and digital banks, Microfinance Institutions (MFIs), public financial institutions, and state development agencies. Additional interviews were conducted with international and local organizations that support the FDP population in Brazil. This study provides the necessary inputs to elaborate or improve institutional strategies that recognize the economic opportunity related to the financial inclusion of the FDP community in Brazil. Realistic business cases illustrate the additional market potential and strategic opportunities for FSPs.