Building a Better Tomorrow: Kaebauk’s Journey Since 2001

Kaebauk Investimentu no Finansas, S.A. (Kaebauk) is Timor-Leste’s leading microfinance institution, dedicated to improving lives and driving economic growth in underserved communities, with a particular emphasis on empowering women.

Founded in 2001 as a microcredit initiative supported by Save the Children and Catholic Relief Services (CRS), the institution was formally registered in 2002 as an NGO under the name Tuba Rai Metin (TRM). CRS expanded its operations nationwide, laying the groundwork for long-term impact.

Despite the challenges of the 2006–2007 civil crisis, TRM demonstrated remarkable resilience, forging strategic partnerships with international organizations such as UNCDF and BASIX. These collaborations strengthened institutional capacity and provided a solid foundation for future growth.

In 2016, TRM transitioned into Kaebauk Investimentu no Finansas, securing a preliminary Other Deposit Taking Institution (ODTI) license from the Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL). This milestone marked Kaebauk as the country’s first regulated microfinance institution.

Building on its consistent growth trajectory, Kaebauk is now progressing toward the attainment of a full commercial banking license, while continuing to prioritize the microfinance segment as its core focus.

Kaebauk has grown into a joint stock company. Its ownership structure includes

• Tuba Rai Metin (TRM)

• TURAME Holdings

• Base of Pyramid Asia (BOPA) Pte Ltd

• The International Finance Corporation (IFC)