The aim of this study is to draw a relevant picture of MFI-bank partnerships in Europe. It analyses why MFIs and banks mutually collaborate, the challenges they encounter and discusses possible paths to improve their cooperation. This is done by analysing the emerging patterns from fifteen case studies of purposely selected MFIs and banks in ten European countries; the article then briefly describes the identified partnerships between banks and MFIs in Europe, including both downscaling and upscaling strategies.