Brazilian Development Bank

The National Bank for Economic and Social Development (Portuguese: Banco Nacional de Desenvolvimento Econômico e Social, abbreviated: BNDES) is a development bank structured as a federal public company associated with the Ministry of the Economy of Brazil. The stated goal is to provide long-term financing for endeavors that contribute to the country's development. BNDES is one of the largest development banks in the world (after the Chinese Development Bank, which boasts assets of around RMB 7.52 trillion, or around $1.2 tn). Its non-performing loan ratio is also less favorable (2.2%) compared to the CDB's that stands below 1%.

Among the objectives of BNDES are the strengthening of the capital structure of private companies, the development of capital markets, the trading of machines and equipment and the financing of exports.

Since its establishment on June 20, 1952, BNDES has financed large-scale industrial and infrastructure endeavors and has played a significant role in the support of investments in agriculture, commerce, and the service industry, as well as in small- and medium-sized private businesses, even though its focus lies on larger firms. The bank has supported social investments aimed at education and health, family agriculture, basic sanitation and mass transportation.

The bank offers financial support lines and programs to companies of any size and sector that have been set up in the country. The partnership with financial institutions with agencies established around the country facilitates the dissemination of credit, enabling greater access to BNDES's financial services.

BNDES has three integral subsidiaries: FINAME, BNDESPAR, and BNDES Limited. Together, the three companies comprise the BNDES System.