FEBRABAN

Founded in 1967 and based in São Paulo, the economic and financial capital of Brazil, the Brazilian Banks Federation (FEBRABAN) brings together banks of all sizes, national ones, foreigners as well as private or government institutions. FEBRABAN aims to improve the competitiveness of the banking industry and its relationship with society at large, and therefore to contribute to the Country’s economic and social development. Its 121 bank members represent  90 percent of the industry's US$1.25 trillion in assets and 87% of equity of US$ 104 employ over 500 thousands men and women.

The mission of Febraban is to serve its members working with governments, regulators, justice, and all  consumers through federal, state and municipal legislatives and regulatory activities, legal action, communication in order to improve the normative system, to continuously improve production, and to reduce risk levels. It also endeavors to concentrate efforts to facilitate the overall population’s increasing access to financial products and services.

History

Febraban celebrated in 2007 a history of 40 years providing incentive to Brazilian economic growth. During that period the Country went through deep social, economic and political changes. Those 40 years were marked by the consolidation of the nation’s industrialization process, by its political maturation, and by the strengthening of its democratic institutions and market economy. Those were challenging years. Fundamental issues such as the external debt crisis, the use of seven different currencies and the difficult path from hyperinflation to monetary stability – an indispensable step to allow Brazil to work on its huge social liability – were experienced, and their solutions have been provided for. Institutions and markets have evolved and matured.

Febraban has been a leading actor throughout all those years, having substantially contributed to such political and financial consolidation. Since it was founded, it has helped banks, even during times of economic distress, to fulfill their three basic functions: to capitalize the savings trusted to them by individuals and companies; to fund consumption and investments; and to make payments and receipts viable.