Economic abuse remains largely hidden, but the number of cases is rising in Luxembourg. In light of this, BGL BNP Paribas is launching an initiative designed to help victims regain financial independence. The bank is combining staff training, partnerships with charities and tailored banking solutions.
Economic abuse involves controlling or depriving a person of their financial resources in order to exert control over them. According to data from the Gender Equality Observatory (Mega), the number of reported cases rose from 16 in 2015 to 440 in 2025, representing a 27.5-fold increase over ten years.
BGL BNP Paribas believes that bank advisers can help to identify such situations and refer those affected to the relevant organisations. Since 2025, the bank has been training its staff to recognise the warning signs. In 2026, it expanded this initiative to include a network of internal ambassadors tasked with promoting best practice. Several hundred staff members have already completed this training, according to the press release.
Measures to promote financial independence
The bank is also introducing a package specifically for victims. This includes a simplified account opening process, free for one year, a debit card, access to digital services, an overdraft facility at a reduced rate and a rent guarantee with no deposit required.
The aim is to make it easier for people to access a bank account, payment methods and housing, in order to help them break free from economic dependence. Information resources are also available on the bank’s website to explain the mechanisms of economic abuse and refer victims to specialist organisations.
As a responsible bank, we wish to work alongside victims, charities and institutions.
A long-term commitment
This initiative forms part of BGL BNP Paribas’s efforts to promote equality and combat violence against women. During Orange Week 2025, the bank partnered with Stand Speak Rise Up! and Opera for Peace to organise a number of awareness-raising events.
“Economic violence, which is often invisible, requires everyone to take action. As a responsible bank, we wish to work alongside victims, charities and institutions. By developing this initiative, we are providing practical solutions, whilst helping to change perceptions of a reality that is still all too often overlooked. This approach is part of our bank’s DNA: to be a trusted partner, even during the most difficult times,” says the chairman of the executive committee of BGL BNP Paribas and head of the BNP Paribas Group in Luxembourg, 
