The financial institution seeks to strengthen access to financing for women-owned MSMEs; nearly 70% of its financial inclusion clients are women
SANTO DOMINGO.- The La Nacional Savings and Loan Association has joined the We Finance Code, an initiative of IDB Invest that seeks to expand access to financing for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led by women, through the use of data, strategic alliances and financial solutions adapted to their needs.
The agreement was signed by Eric Parrado, regional manager of IDB Invest; Nathalie Alvarado, representative of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) Group in the Dominican Republic; and Gustavo Zuluaga Alam, executive vice president of La Nacional.
What is the WE Finance Code looking for?
The Financing Code for Women Leading SMEs promotes collaboration between financial entities, regulatory bodies, business associations and investors to identify the barriers that women entrepreneurs face when applying for loans.
It also seeks to improve the collection and use of gender-disaggregated statistics, develop financial and non-financial products that meet the needs of this segment, and mobilize resources to strengthen their businesses.
The initiative is being implemented in more than 30 countries. In the Dominican Republic, the pilot program began in 2023 with the participation of 12 financial sector institutions.
The National highlights its commitment to women entrepreneurs
The executive vice president of La Nacional, Gustavo Zuluaga Alam, expressed that financial inclusion is part of the institution's commitment to people and the development of society.
The executive stated that joining the Code represents an opportunity to promote concrete actions in favor of businesswomen, based on three pillars: leadership, data and action.
“Our experience with IDB Invest demonstrates the value of partnerships when they translate into concrete and sustainable initiatives. By joining the WE Finance Code, we reaffirm our commitment to contributing to greater opportunities for women entrepreneurs and strengthening a more inclusive financial ecosystem,” said Zuluaga Alam.
As part of this incorporation, Francina Jiménez, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation, will serve as the representative responsible for promoting the implementation of the Code within the entity and coordinating actions to achieve its objectives.
Financial inclusion figures from La Nacional
This membership adds to the institution's ongoing initiatives to expand access to financial services. In 2025, La Nacional ranked first in the Superintendency of Banks' financial inclusion ranking within the savings and loan association sector.
Furthermore, as of June 2026, the entity had benefited 63,906 people through its financial education programs and had 39,003 clients in the financial inclusion segment, of which about 70% were women.
The relationship between La Nacional and the IDB Group dates back to 2013, when both institutions signed a cooperation agreement to strengthen the mechanisms for assisting low-income families and expand their access to formal banking.
With its incorporation into the We Finance Code, the association seeks to continue promoting financing opportunities for women who develop businesses and contribute to the strengthening of small and medium-sized enterprises in the Dominican Republic.
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