A financial system is an essential component of every economy. With the help of credit, it provides the funds for investment.  It also helps private households prepare for contingencies by providing savings instruments, insurance products, and a payment system.

However, poor people in developing and transition countries are often excluded from the system of saving and investment, because they have no access to banks, savings associations, or credit unions. In order to enable these people to access financial services, GTZ directly or indirectly supports financial institutions oriented to the target group.