SuStainability report - SocialFunds.com

Sustainability Report 2008MicrocreditThe Bank has credit lines to assist low-income individuals andmicro-entrepreneurs, such as Microcredit, the portfolio of whichamounts to R$ 21.8 million, and specific lines of credit to serveBanco Postal and Bradesco Expresso customers.Bradescomaintainsstrategicpartnershipswith retailersto faciliatatepopular accessto creditPartnerships to Democratize CreditIn order to facilitate access to credit, especially for the Dand E classes that, according to the Brazilian Institute ofGeography and Statistics (IBGE), currently account for 26%of the country’s population, we have maintained strategicpartnerships over the past years with several retail chains.We would like to point out our partnership with Casas Bahia,whose growth over the past 10 years transformed this retailerinto an international business exemplar. Other partnersoperating in several regions of the country are: Microsoft,Gabryella, Grupo Ponte, Facilar, Socic and Eletrozema. In2008, approximately R$ 2 billion was earmarked for financingoperations deriving from partnerships with these companies.Also in the low-income credit segment, the Bank issuesPrivate Label cards through agreements with retail chains thatsell home appliances, foodstuffs, clothing and medications,among others, with Casas Bahia, Colombo, G. Barbosa, Coop,Leader, Esplanada and Drogasil standing out. The new CasasBahia store in Paraisópolis – the 2 nd largest slum in São PauloCity – offers and accepts the Casas Bahia credit card.This is a way of appreciating customers and building loyalty,by providing access to banking products and services andallowing purchases in installments at partner and otherretailers. At the end of 2008, there were 13,289,984 of thesecards, corresponding to sales of R$ 7.1 billion.Housing FinanceBradesco holds an outstanding position in the real estatefinance segment. The Web site www.bradescoimoveis.com.br,created to assist people interested in purchasing theirhome and to build a closer relationship with home builders,developers and real estate agencies has been an important toolin the portfolio growth process.24