A. M. El Salvador has taken firm steps toward greater financial inclusion, according to the World Bank’s recent Global Findex 2025 report. The country ranks second in Central America, with 43% of people over the age of 15 having a bank account, surpassed only by Costa Rica, which has 71%. This achievement represents a significant increase of 12 percentage points since 2021.
This notable progress is the result of the coordinated work of the Consejo Nacional de Inclusión y Educación Financiera (CNIEF), established in 2019 and coordinated by the Banco Central de Reserva (BCR).Ten institutions collaborate to promote access to and use of formal financial services, with a special focus on the most vulnerable segments of the salvadoran population.
The BCR, through its Standards Committee, has been instrumental in issuing regulations that guarantee more accessible, safe, and appropriate financial products. These regulations support principles of interoperability, efficiency, and security, as well as enabling data collection to measure financial inclusion and existing gender gaps.
Among the technological innovations promoted, Transfer365 stands out, a free 24/7 instant payment platform that has transformed payment services. With payment options such as Transfer365 Mobile, Business, and CA-RD, it has facilitated the digitalization of payments and improved the financial experience of salvadorans.
Financial education has also been a fundamental pillar. «Mi Viaje Financiero», initiative, an interactive bus, has benefited more than 34,000 students in rural areas, teaching them how to use digital financial products and services.
Additionally, Global Findex recognized El Salvador as a co-host of the Global Financial Inclusion Policy Forum (GPF) in september 2024. This global event positioned San Salvador as a center for dialogue, reaffirming the country’s proactive role in building a more inclusive financial system.
Thanks to sustained economic growth and coordinated efforts, El Salvador has made significant progress in financial inclusion. The results of Global Findex 2025 reflect this progress, positioning the country as a regional benchmark in banking integration and in building an accessible, modern, and inclusive financial system.
