This briefing showcases Canada’s approach to extending financial access to survivors of modern slavery through its Public Private Partnership (PPP) approach. The report highlights that financial inclusion is critical to aid survivors in their recovery and reintegration by building their financial stability. It also stresses the importance of a positive approach to risk management and multi-stakeholder engagement.

Canada’s PPP approach encourages financial institutions (FIs) to look for alternative documents when survivors do not have access to standard identity or address proof. The report outlines two case studies of banks partnering with survivor support organisations (SSOs) to increase financial access. Scotiabank’s case study reveals that banks working with SSOs need to actively support the financial inclusion of survivors and highlights a positive effect of financial literacy training and budgeting assistance to foster financial stability. RBC’s case study emphasises the importance of a one-to-one connection between FIs and SSOs to build a successful financial access programme.

The report provides five key recommendations to help others replicate Canada’s approach, with leadership, buy-in, and effective Public Private Partnerships being essential. The report also highlights the wider benefits of the Survivor Inclusion Initiative (SII) approach, including improving access to financial services for other groups vulnerable to exploitation and abuse, such as those who have experienced gender-based violence, those who have fled conflict and the homeless.