Kaebauk review
Updated October 12, 2026 · SumCue Editorial Team
We earn a commission when you sign up through links on this site. Partner status can affect where a brand appears in our rankings. Partners with a live offer in your country come first, then every other brand by score.
Our verdict
For families and micro entrepreneurs in Timor Leste, Kaebauk centres on personal and business loans alongside savings accounts and has extended credit to more than 22000 households. It operates as a licensed deposit taker with a stated mission around inclusion and growth for individuals and small businesses.
Key facts
- Best for
- Families and micro entrepreneurs in Timor Leste
- Lender type
- Direct lender↗
- Eligibility
- Age 17-60 years; established business (min. 6 months) or salaried job; valid ID (Electoral Card or BI); must be a citizen of Timor-Leste↗
- Loan types
- Personal, Business, Student↗
- Use cases
- Home-improvement↗
- Legal entity
- Kaebauk Investimentu no Finansas, S.A.↗
- Headquarters
- Timor-Leste↗
- Founded
- 2001↗
- Support channels
- Email, Phone, Help-centre↗
- Official website
- kaebauk.tl
Savings
- Account kind
- Easy access↗
Facts checked September 26, 2026, 3 sources
Apps and profiles
Pros and cons
Pros
- Focuses on personal and business loans for individuals and small firms
- Pairs borrowing with savings accounts, payments and digital banking options
- Shows long micro credit roots supporting households and entrepreneurs
- Has reached more than 22000 households across Timor Leste
Cons
- Serves only Timor Leste, so access outside the country is limited
Who it suits
- Families seeking small scale credit in Timor Leste
- Micro entrepreneurs wanting business finance and savings
- Women led businesses looking for inclusive finance
Who should look elsewhere
- Borrowers outside Timor Leste
- People wanting a fully licensed bank today
The company behind it
Kaebauk grew from a small micro credit initiative supported by international partners into a financial institution working across Timor Leste. It has operated as a licensed Other Deposit Taking Institution since 2016 and states an aspiration to become a bank. The business centres on savings accounts, personal and business loans, digital banking and payments for individuals and businesses. Leadership describes a mission around economic growth, financial inclusion and wider access for underserved households and entrepreneurs.
How your money is protected
Kaebauk identifies itself as a licensed Other Deposit Taking Institution since 2016, with an application for a Level C banking licence in preparation. It upgraded its E Fimo core banking system in March 2024 and added new back end servers to support operations. The technology team has carried out cybersecurity penetration testing ahead of planned internet banking, mobile banking and agent banking services. You can weigh that licensing position and systems work when judging how it manages accounts and client data.
How Kaebauk compares
Where Kaebauk is available
- Available
- Timor-Leste
- Licence in Timor-Leste
- Central Bank of Timor-Leste (BCTL), checked September 26, 2026
Countries from the brand (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Frequently asked questions
What products does Kaebauk provide?+
Kaebauk provides personal loans and business loans alongside savings accounts, payments and digital banking. Its offer covers financial solutions for individuals and businesses, with a continued emphasis on microloans for smaller needs.
Where does Kaebauk operate?+
Kaebauk operates in Timor Leste and directs its services to communities across the country. Its mission centres on economic growth and financial inclusion in Timor Leste for households, entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Who does Kaebauk aim to help?+
Kaebauk aims to help individuals, families and micro entrepreneurs, including historically underserved populations. It also highlights support for women led businesses and communities seeking wider access to formal financial services.
How does digital banking work at Kaebauk?+
Kaebauk offers savings accounts, payments and digital banking alongside its lending activity. It upgraded its E Fimo core banking system with new back end servers, and internet banking, mobile banking and agent banking are planned as future rollouts.
Where is Kaebauk based?+
Kaebauk is based in Timor-Leste. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
When was Kaebauk founded?+
Kaebauk was founded in 2001. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
How can I contact Kaebauk support?+
Kaebauk offers support through Email, Phone, Help-centre. (Source, checked September 26, 2026)
Sources
- kaebauk.tl checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Account kind, Headquarters, Support channels
“The loan proceeds are transferred into the client's savings account, from which the client may withdraw funds as needed.”
- kaebauk.tl/loans checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Eligibility, Loan types, Use cases
“Age 17-60 years ... Must have a Valid ID (Electoral Card or BI) ... Must be a Citizen of Timor-Leste”
- kaebauk.tl/our-history checked September 26, 2026
Backs: Founded, Legal entity, Lender type, Licences
“Kaebauk's story began in 2001 as a micro-credit program under Save the Children”
Compiled from 3 source pages, checked October 13, 2026. We did not open an account.
Not confirmed yet: APR, Loan amount, Term, Arrangement fee, Credit check, Funding time, Representative example.