Cerise+SPTF and Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation Survey Reveals Impact of International Aid Cuts on Financial Inclusion

Cerise+SPTF and Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation Survey Reveals Impact of International Aid Cuts on Financial Inclusion

InFiNe members Cerise+SPTF and Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation have released findings from a global survey examining how financial service providers (FSPs) are adapting to significant reductions in international aid.

Conducted in partnership with the Financial Inclusion Equity Council (FIEC), the survey covered 86 organizations across 58 countries and reveals how declining international aid, down 7.4% in 2024 and expected to fall further in 2025, is reshaping the financial inclusion landscape.

Key findings from the survey

• 61% of FSPs are affected by aid cuts, particularly impacting partnerships, funding availability, and portfolio quality
• Smaller and rural institutions are hit hardest, especially those focused on agriculture and green finance
• 67% expect conditions to worsen in 2025-26, reflecting growing concerns about sustainability
• Despite the challenges, 57% believe the sector remains resilient, demonstrating adaptability and determination

How FSPs are responding to the crisis

FSPs are shifting focus to portfolio quality, local alliances, and client protection as core priorities. Many are exploring blended finance, sustainability initiatives, and innovation to fill funding gaps left by reduced international aid.

However, the survey issues a warning: climate, gender, and digital inclusion programs are now most at risk due to funding constraints, potentially reversing progress made in these critical areas.

The field study was initiated by Grameen Crédit Agricole Foundation to assess the impact on the financial inclusion sector following the decrease in contributions from the United States and other countries to development programs worldwide. The findings provide valuable insights for practitioners, investors, and networks working to maintain momentum in financial inclusion despite challenging funding conditions.

Read the full report to discover all the insights and the partners’ collective call to action for addressing these urgent challenges in the financial inclusion sector.

Sources: GCAF publication, Cerise+SPTF LinkedIn post