News

The Definition of Insanity: Why Repeating the Same Approach to Enterprise Support is Failing Africa’s SMEs
Africa’s economic growth is driven by small and medium enterprises (SMEs). Yet these businesses face a myriad of challenges, the most pressing often being financing. Read more
Gender equality could unlock USD12 trillion of incremental GDP in 2025 through financial and digital inclusion, AFI Executive Director tells W20 Summit in Buenos Aires
The panel aims to address women’s financial inclusion including its barriers and challenges, alternative forms of financing from MSME and fair trade. Read more
Sierra Leone, United Nations to Develop Blockchain Digital ID System
The UN Capital Development Fund (UNDCF) and the UN Development Programme (UNDP) have entered into a partnership with Kiva, a technology nonprofit. Kiva will lend its institutional protocol of the same name to implement the “Credit Bureau Of The Future.” Read more
Making a difference in Mexico: the value of investing in SMEs
Financial inclusion is Oikocredit’s largest priority sector. Through Oikocredit’s updated strategy the cooperative aims to deepen its engagement with its microfinance partners while also seeking partners beyond traditional financial institutions. Read more
NpM Innovator's Challenge: the 6 finalists
NpM announced the 6 finalists of its Agtech Innovator's Challenge. The selected finalists are developing geodata-based solutions for financial services to support access to finance for smallholder farmers. Read more
Finance for Refugees
NpM, Platform for Inclusive Finance organised the conference ‘’Finance for Refugees; making it work’’ on the 7th of September. Almost 200 guests from over 20 countries came together to share knowledge and discussed solutions on offering financial services to refugees. Read more
FMO partners with Maha Agriculture Microfinance & Harvesting Inc
FMO Partners with Maha Agriculture Microfinance & Harvesting Inc to Make Lending to Farmers More Efficient in Myanmar Read more
Action plans to spearhead FinTech for Financial Inclusion developed as part of Peer Advisory Service program
BNM and AFI introduced action plans for developing innovative regulations that support Fintechs. Read more
Oikocredit signs Fair Trade Charter to help reach the Sustainable Development Goals
Oikocredit launched an International Fair Trade Charter to support the Sustainable Development Goals Read more
Can geodata tackle the global food security issue?
A staggering 70 percent of the world’s food is grown and produced by smallholder farmers in emerging countries. The NpM Innovator’s Challenge aims to help these farmers to find appropriate finance by incentivizing technology companies to develop geodata-based financial solutions. Read more
Ghana Gets $30 Million From World Bank To Strengthen Its Financial Sector And Promote Inclusion
The World Bank approved a $30 million project to strengthen financial sector of Ghana and improve inclusiveness for users. Read more
Strong call for regulators to be at the cutting edge of embracing FinTech for financial inclusion at the ASEAN e-Financial Inclusion Forum
“Regulators need to remain at the cutting edge of mitigating risks and maintaining financial stability in this ever-changing world of technology,” emphasized Norbert Mumba, AFI Deputy Executive Director at the three-day ASEAN e-Financial Inclusion Forum, taking place from 24-26 September, 2018. Read more
Welcome to the Next 10 Years
An introduction to "10 Essays for CFI's 10th Anniversary", part of the Getting Inclusion Right content series Read more
Press release: ICMIF and CIC launch new project to cover over 250,000 Kenyan farmers with livestock microinsurance
A five-year project will be launched by CIC AND ICMIF to provide low-income dairy farmers with livestock microinsurance in Kenya. Read more
Conference: ''Finance for Refugees, making it work''
NpM, Platform for Inclusive Finance organised the conference ‘’Finance for Refugees; making it work’’ on the 7th of September. Almost 200 guests from over 20 countries came together to share knowledge and discussed solutions on offering financial services to refugees. Read more
FMO Participates in USD 16 Million Funding Round for South African Point of Sale Payments Provider Yoco
FMO will co-invest USD 1.7 Million alongside Accion Frontier Inclusion Fund, managed by Quona Capital, in South African-based Point of Sale payments Provider Yoco in a joint funding round totaling USD 16 Million. It marks the first direct equity investment in a fintech by FMO. Read more
Microfinance in the MENA-countries: addressing societal needs and shortfalls
In this article Fadoua Boudiba, Senior Investment Officer for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), shares her insights on the development of the microfinance market and how it provides a unique opportunity to change the narrative of the people in the MENA region, and the refugee crisis. Read more
Equity investment to improve lives in El Salvador
Ana Nieto smiles as she explains how the loans she received from Oikocredit partner organisation Enlace have helped to change her life. Read more
MicroSave join hands with J.P. Morgan, CIIE to launch $9.5mn Financial Inclusion Lab in India
MicroSave and CIIE propose to set-up a ‘Financial Inclusion Lab’ to provide high-touch consulting, catalytic support, and customised services to early stage fintech start-ups in India. Read more
FMO Grant Boosts African Fin Tech Lendable
FMO is extending a convertible grant to Kenyan-based FinTech platform Lendable providing a ‘first loss’ backstop that is expected to unlock an additional USD 4.5 million from commercial investors. Read more
Making the market work for the poor: case of STARS Program
Making the market work for the poor (M4P) is an approach that aims to improve the position of the poor in the market, so that poor people are included and benefit from economic development. Read more
To Bank the Unbanked, Start Using Alternative Data
Capturing digital footprints using psychometrics can help FSPs reach the unbanked. Read more
AMFIU, NpM discuss best ways of offering financial services to refugees
Association of Micro-finance Institutions of Uganda (AMFIU) in partnership NpM 27 July engaged various financial stakeholders to discuss the best ways of offering financial services to refugees and other foreign born residents in Uganda alongside low-income host community members. Read more
Roadmap for Responsible Digital Credit—What We’re Doing at the Smart Campaign
With insights from CFI Fellow John Owens’ report, the Smart Campaign is charting a way forward on responsible digital credit, including considering a new Client Protection Principle and debuting a certification program for mobile credit providers. Read more
Financial Service Providers Tap Into Rising Refugee Populace
The growing influx of refugees in Uganda has attracted the attention of Financial Service Providers (FSPs) who see them as a new market segment to grow their bottom lines. Read more
Financial Inclusion: Is the Glass Half Empty or Half Full?
We can choose to see a glass as half empty or half full. And our perspective often has a lot to do with our initial assumptions. Read more
Step by Step Credit: Empowering the Unbanked through Progressive Finance
One of the most exciting and meaningful aspects of the fintech revolution has always been its promised ability to deliver financial access and opportunity to those who have historically been left out. And indeed, it’s working. Read more
Investing in Financial Literacy of Youth Today for Sustainable Financial Inclusion Tomorrow
Ever wondered why more than 80 countries worldwide have dedicated national programs to enhance financial literacy for children and youth? And why National Strategies for Financial Education all around the world identify youth as one of the main target groups for their coordinated approach to enhance financial capability of the populations? Read more
Exploring Blockchain Applications to Agricultural Finance
Identifying use cases for emerging technologies to reach financially excluded smallholders means looking beyond the hype to develop a clear understanding of the unique features, costs, and benefits of these technologies Read more
Arise Committed to Advancing the Agriculture Sector by Making Finance Accessible to All
The opportunities that the agri-food sector in Africa presents, is high on the radar of local banks. But the challenges to finance agribusiness and smallholder farmers are equally great, limiting banks’ growth in this market. Read more
EU Selects FMO to Manage a EUR 75 Mln Guarantee Amount to Back Underserved Entrepreneurs
The European Comission (EC), has approved up to €75 million in guarantees and up to €8 million in Technical Assistence to FMO’s NASIRA program (NASIRA). The NASIRA risk sharing facility aims to provide access to finance for promising entrepreneurs in Africa and the European neighbourhood, with a focus on young, female and migrant entrepreneurs. Read more
Blog: Finance for Refugees, workshop for MFIs from Jordan and Lebanon
Organised by Triodos Investment Management and NpM, Platform for Inclusive Finance. How can we, as Financial Inclusion sector, contribute to being part of the solution? Access to financial services, like cash transfers and loans, could offer people a possibility to start building their lives again. Read more
Triodos Investment Management Impact Report 2017
How Triodos Investment Management made a difference in 2017 Read more
Hann Verheijen: "In my first weeks I have learned that CIM has some elements for success that are important to me as well: focus in strategy, simplicity in execution and a strong dedication towards our mission."
Hann Verheijen joined Cordaid Investment Management B.V. as Managing Director as per June 2018, succeeding Laure Wessemius-Chibrac. Read more
PRMIA and RIM Announce Merger
The Professional Risk Managers' International Association (PRMIA) and The Risk Management Initiative in Microfinance (RIM) announce their merger to meet the growing needs of the risk management community and elevate their mission to set standards and serve the risk management profession. Read more
Kick-Off Innovator's Challenge Geodata for Inclusive Finance and Food #G4IFF
NpM, Platform for Inclusive Finance, Accenture, Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, FMO and Rabobank Foundation organize an Innovator’s Challenge. Read more
TZS 75 Billion (USD 35 Mn) Loan for Exim Bank to boost lending to SMEs in Tanzania
Exim Bank Tanzania Ltd, an indigenous Tanzanian Bank ranking 5th in the country in terms of total assets, has announced a financial closure of TZS 75 Billion to finance and support long-term lending to small and medium size enterprises (SMEs) in Tanzania. Read more
The State of the Art in Impact Investing: People and Planet Returns in All Asset Classes
When the term impact investing was coined 10 years ago, it typically meant early-stage investments in social enterprises. That notion has evolved dramatically, judging by Toniic’s recently released T100: Powered Ascent report. Read more
5 Things You Should Know About Financial Services for Refugees
High repayment rates, technology solutions, and new research tell us that it’s time for the financial industry to think about refugees. Read more
In Côte d'Ivoire, Financial Inclusion at a Crossroads
For many years, Côte d'Ivoire has lacked reliable data to measure its progress toward financial inclusion. However, CGAP’s Financial Inclusion Insights (FII) 2018 survey and the 2017 Global Findex paint a more detailed picture than we’ve had before. Read more
The Gender Gap in Financial Inclusion Won’t Budge. Here Are Three Ways to Shrink It
I opened my first bank account as a new student at the London School of Economics in 1987. This seemingly small act meant that I could manage my own finances, spend my own money, and make my own financial decisions. It meant freedom to decide for myself. Read more
Accelerating Financial Inclusion with New Data
New CFI/IIF report examines the role that alternative data plays in helping mainstream financial institutions reach underserved customers. Read more
Financial inclusion of Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs): What is the role of FinTech?
Community empowerment, blockchain and financial inclusion: The Rohingya Project approach Read more
Kenya: World Bank Approves $50 Million to Boost Kenya’s Small and Medium Enterprises
The World Bank today approved a $50 million International Development Association (IDA)* credit to increase scale innovation and productivity amongst Kenya’s enterprises. Read more
Kiva World Refugee Fund 2018 Impact Report
Refugees are financially excluded, humanitarian assistance addresses critical, early needs of refugees and internally displaced peoples (IDPs) but is not enough. Read more
Advancing the Financial Inclusion of Refugees Through an Inclusive Market System Approach
Improving livelihoods through economic and financial inclusion is a key component of achieving protection and long-term solutions for the refugee situation. Read more
Women’s Financial Inclusion: Are Funders Moving the Needle?
The sustainable development agenda’s focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment is a testament to the importance many development donors and investors place on gender issues today. Read more
Oikocredit Signs New Guidelines on Responsible Digital Financial Inclusion
Oikocredit joined over 50 fintech investors and innovators to develop guidelines aimed at spreading the benefits of the digital financial services revolution more widely. Read more
How Microfinance Is Navigating the Fintech Revolution in Africa
Studies show that the microfinance industry is struggling with high costs and low earnings. Hardly surprising then that development finance practitioners are very enthusiastic about the potential of ‘Fintech’ - the provision of financial services using technological innovations. Read more
Using Findex Wisely: Understanding the Strengths and Weaknesses of the World’s Biggest Financial Inclusion Dataset
The publication of the 2017 Global Findex has generated much reflection on the state of financial inclusion – and plenty of analysis of the data, looking for the buried treasure of some new trend or pattern. Read more
International Remittances: Why Is the Shift to Digital So Slow?
This week we celebrate the 3rd International Day of Family Remittances, which recognizes the crucial role of migrant workers who support families at home, and highlights the impact of remittances on economic development. Read more
Why Financial Regulators Are Vital in the Global Forced Displacement Crisis
Last year on World Refugee Day, we highlighted that an important aspect of forced displacement is the challenge of providing fast, efficient, and sustainable delivery of financial services and products to Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDPs) who include refugees, Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), and asylum seekers. Read more
Making the Case for Early-Stage Impact Investing
As investors, we all know that putting money, time and attention into any venture inherently carries some risk. But impact investing in early-stage social enterprises, especially in remote regions of the world, can present a different type of uncertainty. Read more
IFC Invests in Bank of Africa to Expand SME Lending in Eight Countries
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, today announced a $60 million investment in a regional risk-sharing facility to support Bank of Africa Group’s lending to small and medium enterprises in eight African countries, facilitating growth and job creation in the region. Read more
Bank-Led Digital Finance: Who’s Really Leading?
In 2006, CGAP distinguished two broad models of digital financial services (DFS) — one led by banks, the other by nonbanks. We quickly realized, however, that many of the so-called bank-led models were not actually led by banks. Read more
Innovation to Impact: Launch of IME Journey Book
In July of 2017, IME became the first ever non-bank payment service provider to receive the license to operate from Nepal Rastra Bank. The name IME is synonymous to ‘remittance’ in Nepal. By withholding this very concept of easy and instant access to finance, IME has ventured into the world of digital finance to expand this vision of financial inclusion for all through their new venture ‒ IME Pay Read more
Farmer Rebuilts Life With New Insurance Payout
Panapasa Ralulu is counting his lucky stars after being unharmed by a fire that destroyed his home and belongings in July last year. The 40-year-old sugarcane farmer and father of three says that although his family lost everything, he is blessed to be alive and grateful that he was covered by insurance. Read more
Women empowerment in Pakistan
Ardi Stoios-Braken is the Ambassador of the Embassy of The Kingdom of The Netherlands in Islamabad (Pakistan). In reaction to the Annual Report of MASSIF, she highlights the importance of women's access to financial services to support inclusive growth . Read more
The Biometric Balancing Act in Digital Finance
Biometric technologies are rapidly changing how financial services providers (FSPs) verify people’s identities and meet know-your-customer requirements as well as customer due diligence (CDD) requirements more broadly. India’s use of biometrics is perhaps the best-known example, but it is not the only one. Read more
Blended Finance Must Deliver for the Least Developed Countries
The 47 least developed countries (LDCs) in the world constitute a critical piece of the development puzzle, yet they received only 7 percent of the private finance mobilised from 2012 to 2015. Read more
Start-Ups and Digital Innovation: Are Fintechs in Africa Over-Indebting their Customers?
Demand for credit in Africa exceeds supply, despite the rise in mobile money. Yet start-ups, growing daily in number, are at risk of accelerating over-indebtedness, by supplying credit to clients without conducting appropriate repayment capacity analysis. Read more
Cutting Edge Agriculture: How Artificial Intelligence, Satellites and Big Data are Transforming Farmers’ Access to Finance
It is often said that there is more “tech” than “fin” in fintech innovation. But when it comes to the oldest sector in the world, agriculture, this dichotomy isn’t sustainable: Both a financial and a technological revolution are necessary to meet the burgeoning demand. Read more
RBDS is Changing Businesses for the Better
“Cordaid’s Resilient Business Development Services (RBDS) training is life changing for businesses in Sierra Leone”, says Andrea Koroma, CEO and founder of Little Lamb Events and Bridals. This is one of many SMEs in Sierra Leone benefiting from Cordaid’s private sector development program. Read more
Does Greater Inclusion Lead to Financial Health? New Research Raises Pointed Questions for the Industry
No single perspective on financial health constitutes a definitive “theory of everything,” but the new Gallup data contributes significantly to our understanding of how to make financial inclusion work for customers. This dataset comes at the perfect time—right on the heels of the Global Findex launch—and with it, we can start to ask ourselves with humility if financial inclusion is leading to financial health. Read more
‘Innovation Strategy Responds to a Changing World’, Says Albert Boogaard, the Head of Innovation of Rabobank Foundation
The emergence of new technologies provides Rabobank Foundation with new opportunities. In this way, new and more suitable services can be supplied to small farmers in developing countries on the basis of better information. Albert Boogaard, the Head of Innovation, explains. Read more
Last things first — knowing the problem at hand is key for blended finance
There is no silver bullet for the complex challenges of development. But blended finance — which involves combining public concessional funds with private capital — is an important part of the solution. Read more
Critical Capital
Small and medium enterprises in the agri-food sector in Africa are key for establishing sustainable food systems. However, they face difficulties to access high risk capital. Read more
New Geodata Project in Cambodia with Focus on Vegetable Production
ICCO Cooperation recently hosted the eight public and private Dutch and Cambodian consortium partners for the kickoff of the new Angkor SALAD project in Cambodia. Angkor SALAD is one of the latest Geodata for Agriculture and Water (G4AW) projects and focuses on improving vegetable production in Cambodia. Read more
Financial Inclusion Hype vs. Reality: Deconstructing the 2017 Findex Results
In Financial Inclusion Hype vs. Reality, CFI examines the Findex data from their own perspective, seeking to deconstruct what it's telling about financial inclusion progress. Read more
Hann Verheijen New Managing Director of Cordaid Investment Management
Social investor Cordaid Investment Management welcomes Hann Verheijen as its new Managing Director as of June 2018. For the majority of his career, Hann has worked in leadership positions at sustainable financial institutions. Read more
CGAP Launches New Five-Year Strategy
CGAP Launches New Strategy as Digital Disruption Reshapes the Financial Inclusion Landscape. Guiding its work in helping poor people access and use the financial services they need to help them adapt to disruptive forces reshaping the world. Read more
Diving Into Data on Smallholder Families
Three new tools shed light on a massive untapped market for financial services. Read more
FMO Signs EUR 500,000 Convertible Grant With Inclusive Business Start-up Milan InnoVincY
FMO’s Capacity Development Program provides a EUR 500,000 convertible grant to Milan InnoVincY (MI), an inclusive business start-up that develops digital solutions to enable smallholder farmers (SHF) improve their production. Read more
Blockchain: A Solution in Search of a Problem?
Numerous financial institutions, governments and other organizations have experimented with testing and implementing blockchain solutions. Read more
Banking Sector Approaches to Customer Engagement and Capability
"Banking Sector Approaches to Customer Engagement and Capability" explores how financial institutions are leveraging innovation, new technology, social networks, and other tools that inform and engage customers. Read more
Digital Access: The Future of Financial Inclusion in Africa
This publication highlights the phenomenal success of digital financial services in Sub-Saharan Africa. Read more
Yes, Microfinance Is Alive, But Does It Still Matter?
Looking at where microfinance stands today and where it could go tomorrow. Read more
7,000 Farmers Subscribed for SMS Service GEOPOTATO
Recent figures of GEOPOTATO in Bangladesh, show that 7,000 farmers subscribed for the information service during the last potato season. These farmers all received SMS alerts about the weather and biomass growth of potato crops. Read more
FMO Publishes the Annual Reports of the Government Funds
For many years FMO has managed the Dutch government funds MASSIF, AEF and IDF. With these funds we can invest early on, taking high risks, and by doing so catalyzing new investors, including FMO. During 2017 we outperformed the EUR 100 million target for new commitments of these funds. Read more
Financial Offers Play Dominant Role in Microfinance Exits
A report that provides a framework to microfinance investors seeking a responsible exit reveals that financial offers have a greater influence on decisions than social goals. Read more
Helping Jordanians and Refugees to Start Their Business
ICCO co-founded a new program in Jordan to help refugees and Jordanians to start a successful business. The Arab country that is heavily affected by the Syria crisis, is home to entrepreneurs ‘who have a lot of potential’, says program manager Hala Imam. Read more
The Future of Food: Maximizing Finance for Development in Agricultural Value Chains
To achieve the SDGs, more effort needs to be made to attract private sector investment and make sure it works for developing countries and poor people. Read more
Digital Credit Scoring in Agriculture: Best Practices of Assessing Credit Risks in Value Chains
This guide reviews many types of digital data lenders can use to assess the creditworthiness of small holder farmers in cash crop value chains. Read more
Mobile Money Offers Africans a Financial Future
Voahirana Mamy Ravelonoro was working at her small restaurant when a buzz on her phone caught her attention. It was a text message from microfinance bank Baobab Madagascar telling her that she had qualified for an instant, digital loan. Read more
Kickoff G4AW SpiceUp: Geodata for Pepper Farmers in Indonesia
This week, ICCO Cooperation hosted seven Indonesia and Dutch partners for the kickoff workshop of SpiceUp, the new Geodata for Agriculture and Water (G4AW) project that focuses on pepper production in Indonesia. Read more
Caveat Venditor: Towards a Conceptual Framework for Buyer Selection in Responsible Microfinance Exits
With the growing maturity of the microfinance industry, a question that has come into sharper focus is how social investors committed to advancing responsible finance practices should “exit responsibly” from the microfinance institutions (MFIs). Read more
ADB to Pursue Prosperous, Inclusive, Resilient, and Sustainable Region — ADB President Pledges at Annual Meeting
the new long-term strategy of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to be released this year, will renew ADB’s strong commitment to eradicate extreme poverty in Asia and the Pacific and expand the bank’s vision to achieve a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable region. Read more
A Refugee Community in Kenya is Open for Business
Safi Kisasa fled conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo for Kenya, only to end up in Hong Kong. Not the Asian metropolis, but its namesake—a bustling business and residential district in Kenya’s Kakuma refugee camp. Read more
New Global Findex: What You Need to Know
The latest Findex shows global progress on access to financial services, but it also illustrates challenges in reaching marginalized groups and increasing usage. Read more
Caveat Venditor: A New Model for Buyer Selection in Responsible Microfinance Equity Exits
For most, socially responsible investing means just that – investing in a manner that not only generates financial returns but also produces positive social value. But what does it mean for an investor to be “responsible” when selling their holdings? How does one stay responsible at the very moment when one ceases to be an investor? Read more
Access to Finance Empowers Refugees
Financial services play a key role in refugee populations helping them to be more resilient. However, as refugees are perceived as high risk they struggle to get access to finance. The Rural Finance Initiative (RUFI) proves that lending to refugees can be profitable. Read more
Can Ghana’s Extreme Poor be Graduated?
Ghana was the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to meet the Millennium Development Goal (MDG1) target of halving extreme poverty by 2015. A share of the population living in poverty decreased from 52% in 1991 to 24% in 2012. Ghana is eager to lead the way in Africa again, but this time to graduate extreme poor households, out of poverty. Read more
Using Big Data to Link Poor Farmers to Finance
Two billion adults in the world are excluded from credit. The situation is especially bad for small farmers in rural areas who are unable to access loans to invest in their farms, trapped in a vicious circle of low productivity, low yields, and poor income. Read more
FinTech for Financial Inclusion: The Time to Act is Now
The rise in digital technology is transforming our personal relationships, the way we do business and fundamentals of finance and economics. In fact, new technology-based business models quash traditional economic thinking that it is unprofitable to sell at less than cost. Read more
Oikocredit invests € 1 million in clean cooking with Rwanda’s Inyenyeri, to “Leave No One Behind”
Social impact investor Oikocredit has made a € 1 million convertible loan to Inyenyeri, a fuel-utility company providing clean and environmentally-friendly cooking solutions in Rwanda. Read more
Caveat Venditor: A New Model for Buyer Selection in Responsible Microfinance Equity Exits
For most, socially responsible investing means just that – investing in a manner that not only generates financial returns but also produces positive social value. But what does it mean for an investor to be “responsible” when selling their holdings? How does one stay responsible at the very moment when one ceases to be an investor? Read more
Press release: Mastercard and Unilever Break Down Barriers to Growth for Micro Entrepreneurs with First-of-its-Kind Digital Lending Platform
Mastercard and Unilever today announced that they will expand their strategic partnership to help micro entrepreneurs in Africa and other regions overcome the cash constraints that limit their ability to buy and sell more products and ultimately grow their businesses. Read more
Propelling Financial Inclusion in the Arab Region
Adopted by Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) and the Council of Arab Central Banks on 27 April 2016, the overall purpose of Arab Day of Financial Inclusion Day to advocate financial inclusion, and its role in driving the development of policies, strategies and programs to promote access to financial services, and improve financial inclusion in the region. Read more
Findex and Financial Health in Eastern Europe and Central Asia
This year on Financial Health Matters Day, the Center for Financial Inclusion at Accion is taking a look at the new Global Findex data and what it says about the financial health of respondents around the world. Because of our recent work on financial health in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, we decided to take a closer look at the Findex numbers from the region. Read more
Being Smart About Mobile Money
Digital finance evokes images of tapping into a cell phone and instantaneous transactions. Loans. Transfers. Payments. We may think of the well-known M-Pesa, the mobile phone-based money transfer and microfinance service launched by Vodafone in Kenya and Tanzania, or many similar services across the globe. Read more
bKash, Ant Financial to Promote Financial Inclusion in Bangladesh
Bangladesh’s bKash and Ant Financial, operator of Alipay, today announced a strategic partnership to promote financial inclusion for the unbanked and underbanked communities in Bangladesh. The partnership involves Ant Financial investing into bKash and increasing its technological capabilities, allowing it to provide greater convenience and security in mobile financial services throughout Bangladesh. Read more
Is Funding for Rural Finance Going Where It’s Needed Most?
Today, more than 50 percent of the population in developing countries lives in rural areas, where agriculture is the largest source of household income. Financial services matter in these communities because they can help farmers increase their yields and strengthen food security, make bigger investments, manage expenses and access essential services. Read more
FMO and Proparco Finance the Production of Green Energy From Sugar Residue in Uganda
Proparco has arranged a €40 million financing to SCOUL, Uganda’s third largest sugar manufacturing company, to finance a new 26MW cogeneration power plant. This new power plant will allow the company to produce green electricity at a competitive price to meet its own needs and to be sold to the national grid. Read more
Small Bolivian Fruit Producers Benefit From No-Interest Loan
ICCO, together with Truvalu and the Bank for Productive Development (BPD), has introduced a credit with 0% interest for small fruit producers in Bolivia. Small farmers can use this credit for the purchase of amongst others seedling, fences and irrigation systems. In this way, companies like Fruta de mi Tierra can assure itself of a stable and improved input from farmers. Read more
Is Universal Financial Access Still Possible?
Can the world achieve universal financial access by 2020? That’s a question on the minds of many who assembled for the IMF/World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. last week. For Mastercard and many of our partners, it’s something we think about every day because we know what’s at stake. Read more
Indonesia Leads in Financial Inclusion Progress: Global Findex 2017
THE latest Global Findex (Financial Inclusion Index) database released by the World Bank finds that Indonesia has made the most progress, across East Asia and the Pacific, in bringing its citizens into the formal financial system in the past three years. Read more
SANAD Contributes to Enda Tamweel Capital Increase of TND 72 Million
Enda Tamweel has successfully completed a reserved capital increase of 72 million Tunisian dinars. The development will enable Enda Tamweel to mobilize more debt financing in order to serve a greater number of microentrepreneurs in Tunisia, meet their growing microcredit needs, and contribute to the financial inclusion of populations excluded from the traditional financial system. Read more
A Test Case for Digital Leap-Frogging: What the Financial Inclusion Community Can Learn from Vietnam
As one of the fastest growing economies in Asia, Vietnam represents a tantalizing opportunity for the financial services industry. But it also presents an interesting confluence of factors that could allow it to leap-frog entirely over brick-and-mortar legacy banking, propelling it to the forefront of digital financial services. Read more
Blockchain Based Microfinancing for Kenyan Food Stall Owners
IBM Research and Twiga Food will be extending access to microloans to 220 food stall retailers across Kenya using a block-chain based financing system. Read more
IFC Invests $50 Million in Los Héroes to Improve Financial Inclusion in Chile
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, is providing a $50 million loan to Caja de Compensación de Asignación Familiar Los Héroes, one of the largest cajas de compensación in Chile to help improve financial inclusion in the country. Read more
Financial Inclusion is Improving Around the World—But Women Are Still Missing Out
The good news is that mobile phones and the internet are bringing millions of people into the formal financial system, meaning they have bank accounts or a mobile money provider for the first time. This is important because financial inclusion is crucial in helping people save money for an emergency, get loans to start businesses, and escape poverty. The bad news, however, is that the financial-inclusion gap between men and women in developing economies hasn’t improved in the past six years. Read more
Congratulations, You’ve Received a Bonus!
UNCDF through its programme MM4P is running a pilot, started in August 2017, to digitize payments made to dairy farmers in Uganda. To this end, MM4P works with the so called ‘supply side’: the dairy cooperatives, shifting from cash payments to their members to digital bulk payments (one to many). Read more
Dutch NN-FMO Emerging Markets Loans Fund Overshoots First Close Target at USD 250 Million
NN Investment Partners (NN IP) and FMO Investment Management ’s NN-FMO Emerging Markets Loans Fund (the ’Fund’) saw strong Dutch and international institutional demand at a first close of USD 250 million, overshooting its minimum target by 25%, due to four key investors from Sweden and the Netherlands. Read more
The 2018 Little Data Book on Financial Inclusion
The Little Data Book on Financial Inclusion presents key findings from the Global Findex database, with detailed insight into how adults in more than 140 economies access accounts, make payments, save, borrow, and manage risk. As the data show, each economy has its own successes, challenges, and opportunities when it comes to financial inclusion. Read more
Spring Meetings 2018 Global Voices: Interview With Her Majesty Queen Máxima of The Netherlands
As part of the Spring Meetings 2018 Interview Series, Her Majesty Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, will be discussing the importance of financial inclusion for achieving development and economic goals. Read more
Financial Inclusion on the Rise, But Gaps Remain, Global Findex Database Shows
Financial inclusion is on the rise globally, accelerated by mobile phones and the internet, but gains have been uneven across countries. A new World Bank report on the use of financial services also finds that men remain more likely than women to have an account. Read more
Nabard to expand its long-term Lending to Rs 80,000 Crore in FY19 to Improve Rural Economy
Development finance institution NABARD on Wednesday said it aims to increase its long-term on-lending or refinance portfolio to about Rs 80,000 crore in the current fiscal as part of its effort to improve the rural economy. Read more
Digitizing the Base of the Pyramid: The Impact of Bringing Digital Finance to Last-Mile Farmers
As with many small farmers across emerging economies, Rwanda’s dairy farmers often have limited access to finance. Whether it’s due to the perceived high risks of lending to them, their low productivity, lack of tangible collateral or other reasons, only 5 percent of the country’s dairy farmers have access to credit, according to a 2016 Access to Finance Rwanda report (not available online). Read more
Financial Inclusion on the Rise, But Gaps Remain, Global Findex Database Shows
Financial inclusion is on the rise globally, accelerated by mobile phones and the internet, but gains have been uneven across countries. A new World Bank report on the use of financial services also finds that men remain more likely than women to have an account. Read more
Pim Mol: ''Rabobank Foundation is able to make a substantial contribution to Rabobank’s mission: Growing a better world together.''
Rabobank Foundation's New Managing Director presents himself and his views on the Geodata for Inclusive Finance and Food trajectory, in this exclusive interview for the readers of our blog. Read more
Making Payment Acceptance a Driver for Financial Inclusion
How new product solutions, business models, and partnerships can advance electronic payments and financial inclusion Read more
Empowering Rural Women in Ethiopia
In rural Ethiopia, women are responsible for household chores such as cooking, cleaning, raising kids, caring for sick and elderly family members while they equally share responsibilities with men on farm activities. Read more
Untapped Potential: Behavior Change Approaches To Address Gender Norms
Integrating social and behavior change communication in women’s economic empowerment programming Read more
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Announces $170 mln Investment to Boost Women’s Economic Empowerment
The investments, focussed in India, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, are aimed at advancing gender equality, spreading digital financial inclusion, increasing job opportunities, and supporting the agricultural sector Read more
Bringing Technology to Microfinance in the Age of Data Scandals: European Microfinance Award Seeks Solutions
There’s a saying in technology circles: “If you’re not paying, then you’re the product.” Nothing could be more axiomatic in the current zeitgeist, as shown by Mark Zuckerberg’s recent testimony in front of Congress to explain the ongoing furor about the sale of Facebook users’ personal data to nefarious entities. Facebook, of course, is free to use. Its users – and the data we produce – are the product. The advertisers and other beneficiaries of that data are its customers. Read more
Pula Secures Funding from Global Investors to Support Smallholder Farmers in Africa and South Asia
Insurtech startup Pula announced today that it has closed a seed funding round to advance its efforts to provide insurance to smallholder farmers in Africa and South Asia. The round was led by Accion Venture Lab, the seed-stage investment initiative of financial inclusion leader Accion, with participation from Omidyar Network, Mulago Foundation, Choiseul Africa Capital, Mercy Corps’ Social Venture Fund, and several angel investors. This injection of funds will enable Pula to invest further in its technology platform and service offerings. Read more
European Microfinance Award 2018: Financial Inclusion through Technology
€100,000 prize to be awarded on 15th November during European Microfinance Week in Luxembourg, with the intent to highlight how financial services providers can use technology innovations to expand outreach, broaden product offerings, improve the client experience, and increase operating efficiency Read more
Green Bonds: Momentum Supported by Initiatives
The first three months of 2018 saw the issuance of c.€20bn self-labelled green bonds on the credit markets. In the last three months, the Kingdom of Belgium issued a €4.5bn green bond while the Republic of Poland and Indonesia issued €1bn respectively. Read more
Fintech As a Pathway to Financial Inclusion? The Case of China
The opportunities and risks of fintech are front of mind for financial sector policymakers these days, and many are looking to China for inspiration and guidance. The Chinese experience has undoubtedly demonstrated that fintech – i.e. new, technology-driven financial sector players - can transform how consumers make payments, save, borrow, invest, and insure themselves against risk. Read more
Singapore Plans to Develop the Blockchain to Boost ASEAN Financial Inclusion
The Singaporean government is looking forward to promoting the development of blockchain technology in an effort to improve the financial integration of Southeast Asian countries. Read more
UNCDF-MM4P, SunFarmer and Prabhu Partner to Transform Agriculture in Nepal with Digital Technology
On 6th April 2018, The United Nations Capital Development Fund’s (UNCDF) MM4P programme, SunFarmer Nepal and Prabhu Group through its concern Prabhu Management inked a tri-partite deal to implement an innovative project that will enhance farmer’s income by integrating digital technology in agricultural value chains. Read more
Dutch MASSIF Impact Fund, Financing First When Many Fear to Go, Hits EUR 1.0 Billion
The Dutch government’s MASSIF Fund, managed by development bank FMO, which aims to take the early high investment risks and act as a catalyst for the growth of the private financial sector and financial inclusion in developing countries, has this month passed EUR 1.0 billion in total investments since its inception in 2006. Read more
Bending the Arc of Humanity – Effective Development of Exponential Technologies to Serve Mankind
Exponential technologies such as big data, the internet of things and artificial intelligence can transform lives in poor countries. But Akhtar Badshah – who led Microsoft’s philanthropic efforts for 10 years – highlights some risks alongside that potential. The main question, he says, is how to bridge the gap between those who quickly benefit from these technologies, and those who are left behind. Read more
Publication of European Dialogue: Building New Foundations in Housing Microfinance
The European Microfinance Platform (e-mfp) announced the publication of the latest European Dialogue, presenting the outcomes of the European Microfinance Award 2017 on Microfinance for Housing. Read more
Female Smallholders in the Financial Inclusion Agenda
This Brief explores the gender gap in financial inclusion among smallholder families in Tanzania and Mozambique through unique survey data that allow for a nationally representative look at smallholders. Read more
Serving Smallholder Farmers in the Digital Age: Why it Requires Treating Data Like an Asset
As mobile technology becomes nearly ubiquitous, the next wave of users is expected to come from rural regions, where smallholder farmers produce the majority of the food yet often live in poverty. In these areas, data-driven agriculture is already creating a new economy – one in which data itself is the currency that can help lift farmers out of poverty. Read more
Toward a Financial Health Tool for Consumers
This Brief, describes the findings from the first iteration of the tool—a financial health quiz—which was tested in late 2017 with six financial institutions, two national associations, and three financial education organizations and trainers in Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Read more
Charting the Path into the Future of Inclusive Finance
Dirk Elsen, Director Emerging Markets, leads a team of almost 50 dedicated professionals and together they’re charting a course into the future of inclusive finance. “We need to broaden our focus beyond general financial inclusion to also looking more deeply at access to basic services and the role finance can play in improving them.” Read more
Dutch Minister of Foreign Affairs visits launch of project ‘Rural Peace’
Stef Blok, minister of foreign affairs of The Netherlands accompanied the launch of ICCO Cooperation’s “Rural Peace” project. The new project aims at strengthening the peace process and contribute to the reconstruction of the most affected territories by the armed conflict in Colombia. Read more
6 Ways Microfinance Institutions Can Adapt to the Digital Age
FinTechs, neobanks, blockchain, super platforms, artificial intelligence – with all the exciting changes in technology creating new business models for financial inclusion, it’s easy to think that older models like microfinance have been eclipsed. But have they? Read more
Mobile Money in Emerging Markets: The Business Case for Financial Inclusion
Mobile money systems offer a dual promise, as an engine for financial inclusion, and as an emerging markets business opportunity for providers. The scale of this opportunity is clearly understood; however, firms seeking to tap the mobile money opportunity are faced with a landscape of unknowns. How will the mobile money value chain work in practice? What do we know about consumer behavior? Read more
Can Tech Humanize Microfinance? An Unexpected Benefit of Going Digital
Shuffling through papers while standing at a pho vendor’s street stall. Asking customers the same questions over and over again every loan cycle. CEP’s staff and clients constantly dealt with such frustrations until the Vietnam-based microfinance institution rolled out an app that digitized the loan and repayment process. Read more
Exploring the Power of Savings for Women: Evidence-based Report Series on Women’s Economic Empowerment
This series summarizes the rich evidence generated through ExxonMobil Foundation’s drive to back action on women’s economic empowerment with rigorous research. It presents summary findings and links to the detailed research. Read more
Women’s World Banking, ExxonMobil Foundation and the Center for Global Development Announce New Global Initiative, She Counts, to Put Financial Tools in the Hands of Women
Announced at a special event hosted by the Council on Foreign Relations, She Counts aims to harness the power of financial services to put savings and financial tools in the hands of underserved women, enabling them to save securely and invest in their businesses. Read more
EU Awards Project to Promote Economic and Social Rights of Vulnerable Communities in Nepal
In Nepal, ICCO was recently awarded "PROJECT REAL - Right to Earn A Living" by the European Commission’s Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR) of the European Union.The project works towards promoting economic and social rights of the most marginalized groups in the far and mid-western Nepal. Read more
Why Is Financial Inclusion in Nigeria Lagging Compared to Its African Peers?
The number of adults who are considered financially included in Nigeria has not improved since 2014, according to InterMedia’s Financial Inclusion Insights (FII) 2016 Annual Report and Survey Data. The survey defines financial inclusion as adults with a registered account at a full-service financial institution. Read more
New Approaches to Designing Financial Products for Women
As we say goodbye to Women’s History Month and thoughts of International Women’s Day recede even farther from our minds, it remains critical that the financial inclusion industry continues its focus on the financial needs of women. After all, the financial inclusion gender gap remains at a persistent 7 percent! It’s unacceptable. FIve ideas to bring more unbanked women into the financial inclusion. Read more
Enhancing Coffee Cooperatives’ Price Risk Management
From 21 February to 1 March, Oikocredit held two workshops in the Peruvian city of Jaén on price risk management (PRM) for coffee cooperatives in Peru and Colombia.The PRM project is a three-year, multi-stakeholder project funded by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) and co-funded by Oikocredit, Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Fair Trade USA and Keurig Green Mountain. Read more
Can Agro-Dealers Be the Last-Mile Rails for Digital Finance?
Of the many findings to emerge from CGAP’s national smallholder household surveys, this is one of the most striking: While the average percentage of smallholders who own a mobile phone across the six surveyed countries is 59 percent, only 17 percent had a mobile money account, and just 8 percent had used mobile money in the past 30 days. Read more
IFAD and Myanmar invest $65.2 million to promote profitability of smallholder agriculture in eastern states
The International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and Myanmar signed a financing agreement today to improve incomes for 62,400 poor rural households who depend on smallholder agriculture, agroforestry, or rural wage labour in the eastern states of Kayin and Shan. Read more
ADB, JICA to Support 20,000 Smallholder Farmers with $163 Million Inclusive Agribusiness Deal
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) today signed $163 million in loan agreements with Olam International Limited (OIL) and Café Outspan Vietnam Limited (COVL), a subsidiary of OIL. The loans will help improve inclusive and sustainable agricultural value chains, directly benefiting up to 20,000 smallholder farmers in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Timor-Leste, and Viet Nam. Read more
Many Governments Take Steps to Improve Women’s Economic Inclusion, Although Legal Barriers Remain Widespread
Governments in 65 economies took steps to improve women’s economic inclusion, enacting 87 legal reforms in the past two years, says the World Bank Group’s Women, Business and Law 2018 report, released today. However, women continue to face widespread barriers, entrenched in laws, that keep them out of jobs and prevent them from owning a business by restricting their access to credit or control over marital property. Read more
ICCO gives crash course lobby at ‘Afrikadag 2018’. Order your tickets now!
The Afrikadag programme is complete! ICCO and Wilde Ganzen organize ‘Crash course lobby in Africa’, about strengthening civil society in Kenya and Ethiopia. Read more
UNCDF Local Finance Initiative (LFI) Case Study No.6: NUCAFE Uganda - Unlocking Private Finance
Innovative financing mechanisms coupled with UNCDF risk mitigation instruments help reveal markets to a wider pool of investors; and thereby crowd-in non-traditional funders, public and private, into new areas. Case study 6 covers LFI’s use of blended finance to attract external investments for the National Union of Coffee Agribusinesses and Farm Enterprises project in Uganda. Read more
Financial Inclusion in the Digital Age
This report highlights some of the central frictions that prevent greater financial inclusion and financial well-being, and associated technological innovations that are fostering creative new approaches to mitigating these frictions for individuals and small businesses globally. Read more
Guidance for Sovereign Green Bond Issuers
Emerging markets and other sovereign nations are becoming a significant new force in the global green bond market attracting millions of dollars to help combat climate change by reaching a new class of investors through sovereign green bonds, according to a new report by IFC. This report, Guidance for Sovereign Green Bond Issuers, focuses on lessons from Fiji’s historic making move in being the first emerging economy to issue a sovereign green bond. Read more
Anticipating the Global Findex 2017: Our Wish List for Financial Inclusion Progress
The World Bank is just days from releasing the next version of its Global Financial Inclusion Index (Findex), the authoritative data source on global progress toward financial inclusion. The dataset, which tracks financial inclusion in 150 countries, is released once every three years, and we have been waiting eagerly to see how things have changed since 2014. Read more
ACTIAM and Util Announce Partnership
ACTIAM has today announced that it is entering into a partnership with Util, an Oxford-based financial technology company which currently is developing its proprietary holistic company valuation methodology which addresses the need for a standardized and comparable analysis that considers a company’s social and environmental performance alongside its financial performance. Read more
The Tech Revolution Offers Hope for Billions Without Land Rights
Many of today’s increasingly complex development challenges, from rapid urban expansion to climate change, disaster resilience, and social inclusion, are intimately tied to land and the way it is used. Addressing these challenges while also ensuring individuals and communities are able to make full use of their land depends on consistent, reliable, and accessible identification of land rights. Read more
The Many Faces of Social Exclusion
FinScope consumer data shows how people experience social exclusion differently and points to groups that are especially excluded, including farmers, women and youth. As the financial inclusion community delves deeper into understanding different segments, it is important to grasp the layers of their complexities and turn this knowledge into tailored solutions, whether the solutions rest with providers or policy makers. Read more
Oproep Voedselzekerheid in Sub-Sahara Afrika
Wilt u als ondernemer bijdragen aan voedselzekerheid in het kwetsbaarste deel van de wereld, Sub-Sahara Afrika? De SBIR-oproep 'Voedselzekerheid in Sub-Sahara Afrika' daagt ondernemers uit voorstellen in te dienen. Read more
The European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP) published a comprehensive report covering all the activities and sessions that took place at the European Microfinance Week (EMW)
EMW is the annual forum run by e-MFP, a member-led organisation that comprises over 130 investors, multilateral & national development agencies, consultants & support service providers, NGOs, FSPs, and researchers to promote cooperation among organisations working in developing countries by facilitating high-level debate, driving knowledge-sharing, and developing partnerships. Read more
The Demonetization Crisis May Be Over, but the Time for Tech Upgrades in Indian Microfinance Is Now
India's 2016 banknote demonetization sent shockwaves through the country's microfinance sector, causing MFIs to write off US$ 1.1 billion in bad loans. In response, cash-dependent MFIs stepped up investment in fintech – but now that the crisis has passed, so perhaps has their sense of urgency. Elliot Rosenberg of Awaaz.De argues that the need to embrace tech is as strong as ever. Read more
Accenture Labs and Grameen Foundation India Use Emerging Technologies to Help Increase Adoption of Financial Services Among Low-Income Women
Accenture and Grameen Foundation India have collaborated to develop two new applications that help overcome the barriers to financial services adoption among women and other low-income populations in India. Read more
New technology increases confidence potato farmers Bangladesh
In a recent assessment carried out by ICCO, in collaboration with BoPInc, farmers from the GEOPOTATO project say that the new technology has increased their confidence in potato farming. Read more
Financing SMEs and Entrepreneurs 2018
This report covers 43 countries world-wide. In addition to the core indicators on SME financing, it provides additional information on recent developments in capital market finance for SMEs, crowdfunding and related activities, and findings of demand-side surveys. It contains a thematic chapter on the evaluation of publicly supported credit guarantee schemes. Read more
Taking a Space-Age Approach to Food Security
With the world’s population expected to grow to almost 10 billion by 2050, that’s an awful lot of mouths to feed. But satellite technology can play a key part in meeting this ever-growing need, through the rise of high-resolution imagery. Read more
Indashyikirwa: The Impact of a Microfinance and Gender-transformative Program on Preventing Intimate Partner Violence
Indashyikirwa, meaning ‘agents for change’, is a program that seeks to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) across Rwanda, and is being implemented by CARE Rwanda, Rwanda Women’s Network (RWN) and Rwanda Men’s Resource Center (RWAMREC). Read more
Who’s Getting Financial Inclusion Funding in Sub-Saharan Africa?
Funding for financial inclusion in Africa has reached $4.7 billion, up 270 percent over the past several years. So which countries are getting the most funding? And are these investments making a difference? Read more
Egypt on the Precipice: Can Fintech Pave the Way for a More Inclusive Financial System?
Financial inclusion in Egypt has persistently lagged behind similar economies for decades. But the country now has all the hallmarks of a market ready to leapfrog: a young population, an enthusiastic embrace of social media, and more mobile subscriptions (110 million) than its population. Read more
Opinion: Blockchain for Development, Explained
There’s no doubt that blockchain is one of the hot topics in tech today — but what is in doubt is a universal understanding of what a blockchain is and what it can do. The lack of familiarity with the concept is one of the major hurdles to understanding how this technological concept can be leveraged in humanitarian aid and the development sector. Read more
Convergence Design Funding Generates USD 116M of Blended Finance Investments for Global Development
Convergence's grant program, Design Funding, is establishing itself as the nerve centre for the next generation of blended finance structures. Since 2016, blended finance vehicles supported by Convergence have raised about USD 116M of investments from public, philanthropic, and private investors. Read more
Solving the Puzzle of Responsible Exits in Impact Investing
Impact investors are motivated by two primary objectives: to generate a financial return and to create positive social or environmental impact. But how do they balance these dual goals throughout the investment process, and specifically at exit? It’s no easy feat. Read more
Kenya’s Digital Credit Revolution Five Years On
It's been five years since Kenya launched its first digital credit solution. A new CGAP survey shows that one in four Kenyans has taken a digital loan, mostly for working capital and day-to-day consumption. Read more
The Tortoise and the Hare: India and China Put Different Paths to Digital Finance to the Test
In 2016, some US$18 trillion changed hands via non-bank digital payment transactions in China – a value larger than its GDP. Meanwhile, though its population is roughly the same, India's digital finance industry has lagged far behind. But thanks to new digital infrastructure and evolving regulations, this situation is changing fast. Read more
Advancing Financial Inclusion Metrics: Shifting from Access to Economic Empowerment
The World Economic Forum developed the Financial Inclusion project, an innovative framework to better understand how data can be further employed to measure access and usage of financial services. Read more
EBRD to boost Palestinian businesses
Delivering on its commitment to boost Palestinian businesses, the EBRD has signed its inaugural project in the West Bank during the first visit by President Suma Chakrabarti to Ramallah. Read more
New Report Analyzes China’s Impressive Trajectory Toward Universal Financial Inclusion
Toward Universal Financial Inclusion in China: Models, Challenges, and Global Lessons - benchmarks China’s progress against peer economies and analyzes key developments and factors in China’s financial inclusion experience. Read more
5 Insights into Credit Scoring for Smallholders
For smallholder farmers in Uganda, accessing credit is difficult. There are a lot of reasons for this, one being a disconnect between agriculture and finance. Financial institutions know that smallholders have a big outstanding demand for credit. Read more
FMO supports women entrepreneurs in Ghana
FMO has signed a USD 25 mln facility (7 years, 5-year Grace), to Access Bank Ghana, the the 12th largest bank in Ghana by assets (USD 680 mln), but with the ambitious goal of becoming a top 3 bank in Ghana in the next 5 years. Read more
A Little Guide To Ethical Investing
Ethical investing is the act of making investment decisions based on one’s ethical standards first and investment performance second. Despite this, however, a prudent ethical investor will not always be outperformed by their peers. Read more
Responsible Digital Financial Services
Technological innovation is enabling financial service providers (FSPs) to increase their outreach enormously through the provision of digital financial services (DFS). The positive implications for increased financial inclusion through DFS are tempered, however, by the potential risks to client protection. Read more
The 4 criteria a PPP Needs to Meet
Public Private Partnerships have become a successful instrument in the fight against poverty. ICCO- Cooperation's CEO, Marinus Verweij shares four criteria that a PPP should meet. Read more
Insights into advancing women’s economic empowerment by Women’s World Banking
In conjunction with International Women’s Day, AFI asked one of their partners, Women’s World Banking (WWB), to share their perspective on advancing women’s economic empowerment. What’s holding women back from accessing mainstream finance, and how can we can advance the drive for greater inclusion? Read on for more insights. Read more
Supporting Digital SME Lending in Jordan
Dutch development bank FMO has financed liwwa, a start-up that offers finance to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through its digital lending marketplace.FMO will support liwwa on its journey to improve access to finance for entrepreneurs in Jordan and the Middle East and Northern African (MENA) region. Read more
Bridging the Gender Gap in Agriculture: Eight Success Stories for International Women’s Day
Women account for more than 40 percent of the agricultural workforce worldwide but they own less than 20 percent of the world’s land, earning just a fraction of what their male counterparts do. Farming First is sharing stories of women all over the world that are bridging this gap in agriculture. Read more
Blockchain Set to Transform Collateral Lending
The potential of blockchain to deliver tangible business value has once again been demonstrated, this time in the area of collateral lending. In a ground-breaking transaction, ING and Credit Suisse carried out the first-ever live securities trade on a blockchain platform. Read more
New Study Challenges Funds and Governments to Invest in African Agrifood SMEs
Rabobank Foundation, AgriProFocus, Food & Business Knowledge Platform and ICCO Cooperation published the study ‘Critical Capital for African Agrifood SMEs’.The study evaluates the access of risk capital by agrifood SMEs. Read more
Impact Investing Trends in 2018
The future of impact investing was the hottest topic on my recent tour of the Boston impact investing conference circuit, which included the New England Impact Investing Initiative/Building a Sustainable Investment Community (BASIC), Boston’s Net Impact Summit, and the Harvard Social Enterprise Conference. My list of all the 2018 trends discussed at these events, has 20 trends on it! Read more
ACTIAM Takes New Step to Address Climate Change
By joining the Institutional Investors Group on Climate Change (IIGCC) – a cooperation between investors on climate change- ACTIAM takes a new step to address climate change. Read more
Financial Solutions Lab Launches $3 Million Year-Four Competition to Support the Financial Health of Underrepresented Communities
the Financial Solutions Lab (FinLab) at the Center for Financial Services Innovation (CFSI) with founding FinLab partner JPMorgan Chase & Co. officially launched its Fourth Annual $3 Million Challenge (Challenge) to identify fintech innovators and products that can help improve the financial health of underserved populations in the U.S. Read more
Space for Food Security
ICT Update spoke to Ruud Grim, senior advisor for applications and coordinator of Geodata for Agriculture and Water (G4AW) at the Netherlands Space Office, to find out more about the G4AW programme, which made the MUIIS consortium possible. Read more
Deciphering the Data Deluge: Making Data More Useful for Financial Inclusion
The excitement around Big Data in the financial inclusion space is understandable. Imagine a world where an emerging markets consumer can look at Google Maps and see financial access points throughout their local community, with enough real-time data to choose the financial services that best suit their needs. This scenario isn’t that far-fetched, says Camilla Nestor, CEO of MIX. Read more
IFC Helps Advance Digital Finance in Central Asia
IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, hosted a regional conference to promote digital financial services, including e-money, Internet and mobile banking in Central Asia. The event is part of a larger World Bank Group effort to help people and small businesses access financial services, which is key to combating poverty and driving economic growth. Read more
Deepening connections between Bhutan and India through cross-border payments
Due to lack of proper mechanisms to facilitate cross-border payments between the two nations, a significant portion of transactions are believed to be executed through physical cash that usually goes unrecorded from the formal banking systems. Read more
The Radical Reinvention of Inclusive Insurance
Drawing on insights from our recently-released report Inclusive Insurance: Closing the Protection Gap for Emerging Customers, here are a few of the key approaches for building inclusive insurance products that work for the insurer and the customer. Read more
Building Rural Digital Ecosystems: A New Role for Agribusinesses?
Bringing digital finance to the rural poor will require financial services providers to work more creatively with agribusinesses that have extensive experience serving last-mile clients. Read more
Could China become a leader in green finance?
Experts gathering in London have argued over whether China could dominate the green financing market in years to come. The event, hosted by Imperial College London, brought together academics in the field to discuss how this crucial, and topical, area can help prevent dangerous climate change. Read more
Different strategies for solar power in Asia, Africa and Latin America
Development organisations, corporates and investors need to acknowledge that different geographical regions have their own preferred energy agenda and way of working, according to speakers at FMO’s ‘Making Solar Bankable’ conference. Read more
Blockchain and Social Impact in Brazil Interview With António Limongi França
Intelligenthq had the pleasure of interviewing António Limongi França, who has worked in the technological field since 1985. Having worked in the technological and entrepreneurial field for various decades, António shared with us his insightful view on how technology has evolved and shaped the world over various decades and how the new blockchain technology can further impact and facilitate entrepreneurial projects with a strong social focus. Read more
Closing the Gap: Identifying Key Challenges for the Missing Middle SMEs in Francophone West Africa
Many small and medium-sized enterprises in developing countries fall into the “missing middle”: They're too big for microfinance and too small or risky for traditional finance. To better understand this sector and how to support it, the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) commissioned studies on the entrepreneurial ecosystems of Benin, Cote D’Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Senegal and Togo. Read more
Development Banks Create Toolbox to Accelerate Investment in Emerging Markets
Some 120 economies, accounting for three quarters of world GDP, have seen a pickup in growth in the last year. But the improvements are still not felt in all corners of the world. Private investments are still very far from the trillions of dollars needed to realize the Sustainable Development Goals in developing countries. Read more
Geodata for Agriculture and Water: GREENcoffee Vietnam
Smallholder farmers experience many challenges and in recent years climate change has exacerbated these challenges. Our G4AW projects deliver specific information services on weather, rain and humidity forecasts, market prices, farming techniques and pests and diseases, via SMS or mobile application to support farmers increase their production, income and food security, and reduce their inputs of water, fertilizer and pesticides. Read more
The End of a Debate? India Highlights the Dominance of For-Profit Capital in Impact Investing
Can impact investing be as commercially viable as mainstream investing – or does it work better as a nonprofit model, or as a less-profitable niche in the broader investing space? This question remains widely debated, even as more empirical evidence has demonstrated the commercial success of impact investments. Read more
Redefining leadership, partnerships and knowledge for exponential sustainable impact
''In fact, the only constant is change. And that change is no longer linear, but exponential; the rate of change is constantly increasing.'' says Linda Broekhuizen, FMO Chief Investment Officer. Read more
Towards a Balanced Rethinking of Performance-Based Financing
Performance-based financing (PBF) in the health sector is a much debated topic. Cordaid PBF expert Maarten Oranje shows there’s more than this black and white picture. In which form, under which circumstances can PBF be transformative and change the lives of the most marginalized? Read more
Why Institutional Investors Are Likely To Embrace Cryptocurrencies
Institutional investors are increasingly looking at Cryptocurrencies as the returns they have generated in 2017 makes this New Asset Class difficult to ignore. Read more
Truvalu: a new player in the agrifood sector – with ambitions
ICCO-Cooperation set up Truvalu as a way of consolidating its experience and the instruments it has developed, so that it can further increase its impact. It will make use of the opportunities offered by the world food market to enable agrifood and food-processing companies in developing countries to grow and increase their market share. Read more
Super Platforms in Africa: Not if, but When
As the digital ecosystems spawned and orchestrated by super platforms expand and provide increased value propositions to users, it will be only a matter of time before even low-income clients in Africa and elsewhere are drawn in as users of more than one platform. Read more
Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) and Blockchain
The financial sector is currently undergoing a major transformation, brought about by the rapid development and spread of new technologies.This note on distributed ledger technology (DLT) and blockchains is part of a series of short notes that explore new trends and developments in Fintech and analyze their potential relevance for WBG activities. Read more
FMO arranges USD 100 million syndicated loan to Access Bank to support agribusiness in Nigeria
The proceeds of the loan will be used by Access Bank to support private business in Nigeria involved in agricultural production, processing, distribution and consumption, which will help to further boost the country’s agricultural sector. Read more
The Smallholder Finance Product Explorer is live: Learn about farmer-centric products
MIX and One Acre Fund have teamed up to improve the quality and availability of operational data that helps drive product development. Currently in beta, this tool - which consists of rich, practically useful data on smallholder finance products - makes it possible for financial services providers to share knowledge and learn from each other. Read more
Do Financial Inclusion Efforts Really Have an Impact on Poverty?
Affordable, accessible financial products and services like mobile money are becoming more prevalent in the developing world, but are they improving the lives of the poor? Read more
Do You Speak Social Finance? Helping Entrepreneurs and Impact Investors Overcome their Language Barrier
Social entrepreneurs and impact investors often speak different languages: Entrepreneurs are fluent in the dimension of impact, while investors are more focused on the bottom line. A new education platform called the Social Finance Academy strives to bridge this gap via free, online learning packages that enable investors and entrepreneurs to reach common ground. Christina Moehrle and Maxime Cheng of Roots of Impact explore the platform's early success and potential impact. Read more
Companies must ask themselves: What role do we play in the community?
Larry Flink, Chairman and CEO of the largest investment firm, Blackrock, creates a sensation by directly challenging normative investor responsibilities. Read more
Climate insurance programme launched to protect low-income farmers
VisionFund International and Global Parametrics have launched the African and Asian Resilience in Disaster Insurance Scheme (ARDIS), which could benefit up to four million people in six low-income countries. Read more
Top 5 financial inclusion publications to skyrocket policymaking
As we gear up for a busy 2018, here’s a compilation of our five most popular publications that were added to the AFI publications library last year. Take a moment to get caught up on the major topics in financial inclusion and research produced in 2017. Read more
Rabobank launches Rabo Frontier Ventures: A €60 million investment fund for the Fintech and Food & Agri sector
Rabobank is launching Rabo Frontier Ventures (RFV), a €60 million strategic investment fund that focuses on high-potential early-stage Fintech and Food & Agri companies. RFV is a subsidairy of Rabobank Group and forms part of the bank’s innovation strategy. Read more
A sweet deal in southern Colombia
When it comes to committing to a business, there’s no doubting sugar cane farmer Pedro Bastidas. When asked about the development of his enterprise, he casually states: “In 2005, I exchanged my house for a sugar factory.” Read more
FMO supports expansion of dried fruit producer Peyman in Turkey
A leading Turkish producer of dried fruit, seeds and nuts, Peyman Kuruyemiş, is set to expand its business with a €32 million loan from FMO and the EBRD.The company, owned by British private equity fund Bridgepoint, is building a new production facility in the industrial zone of Eskişehir. Read more
The ‘Strange Bedfellows’ Myth: How Fintechs and Financial Institutions Can Partner for Mutual Benefit – And Greater Financial Inclusion
The classic narrative in tech-meets-tradition stories is essentially adversarial: efficiency gains vs jobs lost, algorithms vs people. It might be natural to expect that the rise of fintech—technology-enabled financial services—would involve conflict and clashes between the fintechs and the established players in what is, after all, a famously conservative industry. Read more
Blended finance in Myanmar
In a fragile context, TCX blended donor funding with the financial inclusion mission of the development finance institutions operating in Myanmar. Combined, they realized over USD 80 million in local currency investments. Read more
How can we grow female farmers' access to financial services?
Whether they are smallholders who grow cassava at home, or entrepreneurs running agro-processing plants, women in agriculture are consistently left out of the formal financial system. Read more
MSME Finance Gap: Assessment of the Shortfalls and Opportunities in Financing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises in Emerging Markets
IFC releases empirical research regarding the existence and size of the micro, small and medium (MSME) enterprise finance gap in developing countries. This research estimates that there are 65 million formal micro, small and medium enterprises that are credit constrained, representing 40 percent of all enterprises in the 128 reviewed countries. Read more
Nature does not send us a bill
Riëlla Hollander, Director Sustainable Food and Agriculture for Triodos Investment Management, recounts how she became passionate about sustainable food and agriculture. Read more
McDonald’s complies with investors’ request stop using polystyrene packaging
As of the end of 2018 McDonald’s will stop using polystyrene packaging, thereby complying with the As You Sow resolution which was submitted by ACTIAM and others. Read more
ING publiceert het Dutch Economy Chart Book: Vaste contracten groeien harder dan flex en zzp
Voor het eerst sinds het economisch herstel van de crisis zitten de vaste contracten weer echt in de lift. In het derde kwartaal van 2017 droegen vooral vast contracten bij aan de groei van de werkgelegenheid. Read more
Rabobank: Strong domestic focus in international vegetable market
The global market for vegetables remains a predominantly local market even in 2018, with a largely domestic output and marked by local preferences. Rabobank’s World Vegetable Map 2018 reveals the dominant trade flows in this market Read more
7 Fintech Trends to Watch in 2018: Insights from a global seed-stage investor in fintech for the underserved
We’re in the middle of a fintech boom that could change the world. As a seed-stage investor in fintech for the underserved, Accion Venture Lab continues to see innovative startups increasing access to, reducing the cost of, or improving the quality of financial services for underserved individuals and small businesses around the world. Read more
FMO supports another Fintech start-up @Lendingkart Technologies providing easy access to credit for SMEs in India.
Lendingkart Finance Limited today announced that it has raised INR 30 crore in non-convertible debentures from FMO. The investment has been made through MASSIF, the financial inclusion fund that FMO manages on behalf of the Dutch government. Read more
The Superplatforms are Coming … And They Will Transform Financial Inclusion
With their big brands, big budgets and big data, superplatforms like Google, Amazon, Facebook and Alibaba already know more about most banks’ customers than the banks themselves. As these internet giants make increasing inroads into financial services, what are the implications for low-income customers – and their existing providers? David Porteous of BFA and Olga Morawcynski of MasterCard Foundation explore how these platforms are reshaping the face of financial inclusion around the world. Read more
Balancing the Economics of Interoperability in Digital Finance
There is a common misconception that digital financial services (DFS) providers in developing markets simply lack the right low-cost technology to create a level playing field for interoperable payments. However, the business case for — or against — interoperability is much more complicated. Read more
Bringing blockchain to agricultural commodity trade
ING has joined forces with global merchant Louis Dreyfus Company (LDC), ABN Amro and Societe Generale to complete the agricultural sector’s first blockchain commodity transaction. Read more
Ambitie nieuwe directie ASN Bank: klimaatpositief in 2030
De nieuwe directie heeft de doelstelling dat ASN Bank – als eerste bank ter wereld – in 2030 klimaatpositief is. Daarnaast blijft zij zich inzetten voor het doel van ASN Bank: stimuleren van duurzame vooruitgang. Read more
Solar + Housing = Impact: Why Investors Should Boost Renewable Energy in Affordable Housing
Despite the rapid growth in alternative energy, low-income people in these markets rarely enjoy its benefits. Yet they are often the ones who would benefit the most.By investing in projects that bring solar energy to low-income communities, impact investors have an opportunity to address these issues while also tackling growing environmental concerns. Read more
Tackling Climate Change: Central Banks Disappointment
Individuals, companies, statesmen and stateswomen and international institutions all have the obligation to push towards an environment friendly relationship with the world. But unless the economic powers start doing their moves, nothing will be accomplished. Read more
Global Economy to Edge Up to 3.1 percent in 2018 but Future Potential Growth a Concern
The World Bank forecasts global economic growth to edge up to 3.1 percent in 2018 after a much stronger than expected 2017, as the recovery in investment, manufacturing, and trade continues, and as commodity-exporting developing economies benefit from firming commodity prices. Read more
Case study: The route-to-market strategy of MoKash into rural areas
In August 2016 MoKash was launched. A first of its kind digital credit and savings product in Uganda, developed by MTN and Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA). And UNCDF ensured the development of a tailor-made product, with the usage of human-centred design. Read more
AFI’s impact on financial inclusion: Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) System
AFI has developed a unique Monitoring and Evaluation (M&E) System that meets a variety of expectations and aspirations of both our members and funding partners. Our recent publication “Measuring the Impact of a Global Network on Financial Inclusion: AFI’s M&E System,” explains why its distinctive approach to M&E is vital to enhancing transparency and accountability, developing evidence for policymaking, lobbying and advocacy, and strengthening capacity. Read more
Inclusive Insurance: Closing the Protection Gap for Emerging Customers
This report illuminates the market opportunities and challenges associated with expanding coverage to underserved customer segments and the efforts insurers and banks around the world are making to help them manage and mitigate financial risk. Read more
RegTech and Digital Finance Supervision: A Leap into the Future
In recent years, the global buzz around financial technology (FinTech) has reached the halls of government authorities pursuing financial inclusion through digital finance. Are authorities in these countries ready for the latest technologies? Read more
Seeing Beyond Silos: A More Holistic Approach to Supporting Social Entrepreneurs
If it takes a village to raise a child, then it takes an entire ecosystem to shepherd a social enterprise from inception to scale. But that ecosystem too often is splintered with investors, accelerators and other advisors sorting themselves into silos. Read more
Opinion: A critical look at the IFC's new incentives framework
To help staff make better decisions, the International Finance Corporation is introducing a new incentives framework, which will reward achievements in development outcomes. Read more
Swedfund Strengthens its Commitment to Renewable Energy Asia Fund II
Swedfund, Sweden’s development finance institution, has made an incremental commitment of MUSD 5 to Renewable Energy Asia Fund II (REAF II) and further strengthened its contribution to the build-out of renewable energy in developing Asian countries. Read more
InFrontier Afghanistan Fund reaches over $30 million with $8 million investment from FMO
The InFrontier Afghanistan Fund, the only private equity fund focused on Afghanistan achieved a second closing at over US$30m following an investment of $8m from FMO. Read more
From Haiti to China: 5 Pilots Begin to Reveal Digital Credit’s Uneven Impact
As demand for digital credit grows in the developing world, critical questions arise. How are mobile-based credit options helping (or hurting) low-income borrowers? How can available data sources be used to identify the borrowers most likely to benefit from these types of loans? How can we ensure that men and women have equal access to digital credit? Read more
Pim Mol succeeds Pierre van Hedel as managing director of the Rabobank Foundation
The Supervisory Board of the Rabobank Foundation has appointed Pim Mol as managing director with effect from 1 February 2018. He succeeds Pierre van Hedel, who will be retiring in 2018. Read more
Ethiopia: Inclusion Strategy Incentivizes Financial Outreach
People in the financial sector expecting the newly unveiled Financial Inclusion Strategy to further facilitate and incentivize financial outreach efforts in the private sector. Read more
Case study: The route-to-market strategy of MoKash into rural areas
In August 2016 MoKash was launched. A first of its kind digital credit and savings product in Uganda, developed by MTN and Commercial Bank of Africa (CBA). And UNCDF ensured the development of a tailor-made product, with the usage of human-centred design. An approach that has ensured the uptake of MoKash, especially in rural areas and amongst women. Read more
Financial Inclusion in 2018: BigTech Hits Its Stride
CGAP CEO Greta Bull explores how large platform players like Google, Facebook and Ant Financial are likely to shape financial inclusion in 2018. Read more
IFC, Central Bank Partner to Create a National Strategy to Spur Financial Inclusion in Sri Lanka
IFC, over the course of the project, will provide technical assistance to CBSL to develop the NFIS, via an extensive development process involving consultations with members of the public sector, private sector, civil society organizations, and academia. Read more
Growing Green Finance: Can we raise the trillions needed for the transition
The briefing, released by the Ethical Corporation, provides valuable insight into the state of the booming green finance market and current drive towards a clean energy future. Read more
Five trailblazing DFS and FinTech regulatory trends not to miss in 2018
Innovative, technology-based financial services hold untapped potential for financial inclusion. Due to rapid growth and ensuing complexity of digital ecosystems, regulators will focus on building their capacities because learning is key to better regulation. Read more
5 Highlights in Financial Inclusion Funding
The financial inclusion community has made great strides in recent years, such as mainstreaming financial inclusion into the agenda of most funders. However, many important challenges remain that will require more efforts on funders’ part. Read more
How to Address the Power Imbalance in Impact Investing? Shut Up and Listen
Want to Help Someone? Shut Up and Listen! That’s the rather self-explanatory title of Ernesto Sirolli’s famous TEDTalk on the all-too-often neglected first principle of aid – respect for the local expertise of those whose lives we seek to improve. Read more
Marinus Verweij: ''Syrian refugees should have the chance to start a business again. While they may have lost their business and their capital, they still have their entrepreneurial experience. ''
In this interniew, brought to you by NpM, the chairman of ICCO-Cooperation illustrates the challenges in promoting refugee entepreneurship and realizing a better future for them and their families. Read more
Nigeria Needs to Include Consumer Protection in Its Ambitious Financial Inclusion Plans
Nigeria has an ambitious target of including 70 percent of its population in the formal financial services fold by 2020, from a baseline of 44 percent with access to an account in 2014. But financial inclusion involves a lot more than account access. Read more
The pocket guide to impact investing financial performance
The Global Impact Investing Network rounds up what we know and calls for more data transparency from impact investors (GIIN) Read more
Supplemental Safety Net: An Innovative Model Paves the Way for Inclusive Insurance in China
Despite rapid economic growth that has benefited many, hundreds of millions of people in China still remain outside the formal financial system without access to safe and affordable financial products. One of the biggest unmet financial needs is insurance. Read more
Financial closure for 97,2 MW wind project in southern Argentina
Total Eren announced the successful financing of the 97,2 MW “Vientos Los Hercules” wind project in southern Argentina. Non-recourse senior debt was structured by KfW IPEX-Bank. Read more
How development finance institutions can play a catalytic role in the 2030 agenda
Twenty-five years ago, seven bilateral European development finance institutions (DFIs) dedicated to the private sector in developing countries formed a group devoted to exchanging views and experiences, co-investing and harmonising standards at a high level. Read more
Sustainable development requires inclusive finance
In this article Femke Bos, Fund Manager of Triodos Microfinance Fund and Triodos Fair Share Fund shares her insights on inclusive finance, the funds’ broadening impact scope and the balancing act of impact, risk and return. Read more
ING further sharpens coal policy to support transition to low-carbon economy
ING has decided to accelerate the reduction of financing to coal power generation, reducing Iits exposure to close to zero by 2025. This sharpened coal-financing policy is part of its efforts to support the transition to a low-carbon economy and will come into effect immediately. Read more
Net Neutrality Ruling Could Block Your Bank
What the U.S. Federal Communications Commission net neutrality vote means for financial inclusion, fintech startups. Read more
With €6.9 billion in climate finance, the European DFIs are helping the private sector scale up the fight against climate change
15 European Development Finance Institutions (EDFIs) are putting their full weight to support the projects, big and small, paving the road to a sustainable world. Read more
IFC Bond Funds Botswana Building Society Expansion to Promote Financial Inclusion
IFC announced its debut Kgalagadi Bond to finance a $25 million investment in the Botswana Building Society. IFC’s support to the Building Society will promote financial inclusion and access to housing finance in the country. Read more
Four Ways to Tackle Weak Competition in Digital Financial Services in Emerging Markets
Many developed digital financial services (DFS) markets in emerging economies feature problematic levels of consolidation. Policymakers are increasingly worried about the impact of dominant individual firms on financial inclusion and innovation, especially given the absence of robust competition policy. Read more
ACTIAM helps to measure carbon impact
ACTIAM is presenting a report with a new calculation model for measuring the carbon footprint of investments. Together with eleven Dutch financial institutions ACTIAM worked on the model in the past two years. Read more
Sustainable Development Using Blockchain Technology
Global blockchain venture studio ConsenSys is supporting Sustainability International, an NGO that implements innovative technologies to alleviate poverty in Africa, to research the potential of blockchain technology to provide an efficient and transparent platform for financing international development projects. Read more
A Digital Finance Prescription for Universal Health Coverage
Health care can be costly. So what role can financial services play in improving access to life-saving services, and what’s holding them back from having a bigger impact? Read more
Economic transformation through financial inclusion: Building the pillars of Bhutan’s National Financial Inclusion Strategy
Financial inclusion is now recognized as an important policy goal for sustainable poverty reduction and inclusive growth. In Bhutan, financial inclusion is regarded a fundamental and essential prerequisite for achieving economic transformation for equitable and harmonious development. Read more
Investment = Inclusion: Can Fintech, With a Boost from Investors, Level the Playing Field for the Unbanked in Africa?
Financial technology (or fintech) is transforming the financial services market for legacy institutions in an unprecedented way.At the root of this trend is the astonishing growth of mobile access. Read more
Investment in small farmers key to feeding the world and reducing poverty
According to UN estimates, the world population is expected to grow from about seven billion currently to more than nine billion by 2050. This means that farmers around the world are going to have to produce a lot more food, while limiting their impact on land, water and the global climate. Read more
Should We Be Talking About Financial Health Instead of Inclusion?
In this Gateway interview, Carrie Creasy shares with us some of the latest thinking on financial health and why MetLife Foundation has shifted its focus from financial inclusion to financial health. Read more
The Case for Social Investment in Microcredit
There are strong arguments for continued social investment in microfinance. These arguments are based on—not in contradiction to—research, including the recent impact evaluations. Read more
Will Microfinance Still Exist 10 Years From Now? Thoughts from European Microfinance Week
Last week, I moderated the closing plenary of European Microfinance Week, exploring the question of where microfinance – and MFIs – would be in five or 10 years. Panelists came from different organizations with varying perspectives of the industry. Read more
$1 billion to catalyze sustainable food production
One month ago Rabobank and UN Environment announced a one billion dollar facility. This initiative spurred many positive reactions, including concrete proposals for the facility to boost. Read more
Let’s Rid the Globe of Ultra-Poverty
Eradicating ultra-poverty for 394 million people globally will require urgent action across sectors. The recently-released Global State of Ultra-Poverty (GSUP) outlines concrete recommendations for each stakeholder group. Read more
Visiting Jordan: creating employment for Syrian refugees
Last week I visited Jordan. ICCO is starting up a new project here: supporting entrepreneurship amongst the local community and refugees from Syria. It’s good to realize that we are not able to run this project without the help from the Jordan government, which plays a crucial role when it comes to providing more right for refugees. Read more
Nigeria's Economic Future Is in Its Hands
By H.M. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands, United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development (This column was published on the first day of the UNSGSA's country visit to Nigeria, 31 October 2017, in three Nigerian papers: The Guardian, the Nation, and the Daily Trust.) Read more
Changing The World With Biometrics
Last year, a milestone in the history of computing and financial inclusion was achieved. It was a particular one as it didn’t come from a giant tech company nor a high developed country, but one in an emerging part of the world where all things are meant to be done massively. Read more
Impact Investing at a Turning Point: Read a Free Chapter of Morgan Simon’s New Book, ‘Real Impact’
“Impact investment will do a lot of good – but only if we can get it right.” That’s the key message put forward by Morgan Simon, managing director of Candide Group, founding CEO of Toniic and co-founder of Transform Finance, in her new book, “REAL IMPACT: The New Economics of Social Change.” Read more
Sustainable Practices for Private Equity Funds Business
There is increasing evidence that companies with strong environmental and social practices perform better financially. Cambridge Associates found that sustainability makes an even stronger contribution to the performance and competitiveness of companies in emerging markets than those in developed markets. Read more
Venture Capital is Broken – Here’s How to Fix It: A Q&A with Village Capital President Ross Baird
Investors are often backing the wrong ideas for the wrong reasons, hoping to strike it rich by dumping billions of dollars into frivolous apps designed to benefit only a wealthy sliver of the world’s population. Meanwhile, innovative solutions to pressing global challenges that impact billions of people go underfunded. The results: rising income inequality, stifled entrepreneurial ambition, social distrust, and political uncertainty. Read more
New investment opportunity! Capital 4 Development Asia Fund
Capital 4 Development Partners is a fund management company dedicated to manage impact funds that aim to improve the lives of poor and marginalised people in developing countries through SME financing. Read more
Blockchain For Africa! Interview with KORA CEO Dickson Nsofor That Raised $2m Before Pre-sale
Blockchain and Entrepreneurship can be two powerful tools in the right hands. Being decentralized and away of main streams, both can reach those that are most in need without passing through middlemen. Read more
Inside QR Codes: How Black & White Dots Simplify Digital Payments
You have probably seen QR codes. Those little patchworks of black-and-white dots are popping up everywhere. In fact, one-third of all digital payments in China used QR codes in 2016. That’s $2.6 trillion worth of transactions. Read more
Cooperativa de Ahorro y Préstamo Tosepantomin (Mexico), winner of the 2017 European Microfinance Award.
37 microfinance institutions from 23 developing countries contended for this award, which this year focussed on “microfinance for housing”. Read more
What’s in It for Me? Increasing the Value Proposition of Fintech for Merchants in India
Drawing on recent IFMR LEAD research, Anisha discusses the critical shortcomings of mobile money offerings for merchants in India and shares insights on what this client segment views as their ideal digital product. Read more
South Asia's Climate Investment Opportunities Reshape the Region
Climate Investment Opportunities in South Asia offers a detailed look at how the private sector can fulfill these opportunities across Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, the Maldives, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. Read more
Welfare Schemes Don’t Work if Nobody Knows About Them: Fixing India’s Information Deficit
According to the World Bank, some 270 million people in India live below the poverty line.Although there are a number of government welfare schemes that address these issues, they are often beyond the reach of those who need them the most – the illiterate Indian citizen, living in rural locations, with limited means. Read more
Blended Finance Gets a $500 Million Boost: Convergence CEO Discusses Groundbreaking Partnership with IFC
US $2.5 trillion: That’s the estimated funding gap the world needs to close in order to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. To achieve this daunting goal, says Convergence CEO Joan Larrea, “We need to tap into new sources of capital, particularly from private investors” Read more
‘Banking on women’: empowering Kenyan women through microfinance
“In Africa, there is nothing as important as empowering a woman. When you empower a woman, it’s as if you are empowering the whole country. KWFT is empowering me with education, with knowledge and with money.” Read more
How Can Pay-as-You-Go Solar Work for Poor People?
Poor people are harder to serve. Providers seeking to build valuable long-term relationships with poor households need to account for this realitiy in their business models, and seldom is it easy. Read more
Financial Services for Real People: Using Behavioral Science to Boost Financial Health in Latin America
We rely on products and services to keep us on track with managing day-to-day finances and planning for the future , yet many tools fail to account for common human tendencies, such as prioritizing the present over the future and putting off tedious tasks. These tendencies, although universal and understandable, have serious ramifications for the financial health of people everywhere. Read more
GIIN Perspectives: Evidence on the Financial Performance of Impact Investments
The GIIN’s report, GIIN Perspectives: Evidence on the Financial Performance of Impact Investments, provides investors with a comprehensive review of available research to date on the financial performance of impact investments. Read more
Ensuring Effective Development
USAID is taking steps to ensure we make the most out of our investments, and one way we are doing so is by experimenting with a range of “pay-for-results” models. Read more
Sharm El Sheikh Accord on Financial Inclusion, Climate Change & Green Finance
Over 200 million people are currently affected by environmental disasters globally, costing world economy hundreds of billion annually and displacing thousands of people every day. Read more
The Secret Life of Mobile Money Pricing
If a movie were made about financial inclusion, chances are mobile money fees would be cast as the villain. The cost of paying with mobile money is often viewed as a barrier, a tariff or a tax on the poor working to keep services from those who need them most. Read more
FMO launches fintech platform
According to the initiative Making Finance Work for Africa, where such services are available, low-income individuals and SMEs still lack the eligibility to apply for deposits, credit, payments and insurance, due to lack of collateral including real estate. Read more
Digital money is bringing the future of banking to Asia
By combining cash with mobile technology, fintech is transforming lives, as well as disrupting the financial sectors’ big incumbents. Read more
Impact investing has become a powerful, responsible business reality
A highly eﬀective opportunity to improve the planet, while securing an attractive return, is proving essential for smart investors. Read more
Better Regulations Can Spur Agent Banking in WAEMU
The West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU) has taken significant steps toward financial inclusion in recent years, however regulations make it difficult for banks and microfinance institutions to expand their own agent networks and contribute fully to financial inclusion. Read more
Philanthropy is Changing Fast: 12 Lessons from Three Reports
A slew of reports over the last two years from the more progressive spheres of the social good sector shows that philanthropy cannot continue with “business as usual” if we hope to actually achieve these goals. Read more
How to Cope in a Financial and Tech Tsunami Driven by Blockchain and Crypto Economics?
This article reflects on the challenges and problems that are coming with emergent Financial and decentralised tech blockchain and AI driven generating a socio-economic tsunami. Read more
The Millennial Employment Gap: Three Lessons Learned Supporting Young Entrepreneurs
Across Latin America, there are roughly 20 million young people who are neither studying nor working: the infamous ninis. Helping these young people find economic opportunities is one of the most important challenges facing Latin America’s economies and governments. Read more
Rules of the Road: Interoperability and Governance
The brand decals of today’s most well-known payment schemes let billions of people know that their credit or debit cards will be accepted at stores and ATMs all over the world. Read more
Alternative Funding For Entrepreneurs: Equity Crowdfunding and Blockchain Based ICOs
One of the challenges a new entrepreneur has to face is raising enough money for his or her business to be able to get off the ground. That is the beginning of the dream, but getting a fair funding is never easy. Read more
Investment in small farmers key to feeding the world and reducing poverty
According to UN estimates, the world population is expected to grow from about seven billion currently to more than nine billion by 2050. This means that farmers around the world are going to have to produce a lot more food, while limiting their impact on land, water and the global climate. Read more
Queen Maxima adresses the Singapore Fintech Festival’ over inclusive finance
''I'm sure all of us here today would agree that financial services are the lifeblood of an economy. But I would like to make a case for their importance on an even wider scale-as a vital tool for addressing inequality and poverty, and building opportunity for all.'' says her Majesty Read more
United Nations Capital Development Fund to host premier Digital Chikwama Awards for financial service providers in Zambia
The United Nations Capital Development Fund will be hosting the premier digital financial services (DFS) awards event in Zambia. The Digital Chikwama Awards will be given to organizations and individuals from the private sector who have contributed significantly to advancing digital financial inclusion for the benefit of all Zambians. Read more
Watch out Unicorns: Centaurs Are the Future of Financial Inclusion
New research seeks to understand when and why customers prefer human over digital interfaces across their financial services customer journeys – and vice versa. Read more
Climate resilience takes spotlight in AFI, reflecting global discussion at UN Climate Change Conference
This year’s UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP23) in Bonn, Germany is progressing with strong calls for countries to hold to the path of the Paris Agreement — a global effort that the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) is contributing to, with focus on financial inclusion, climate change and green finance. Read more
A Milestone in Innovative Finance: Exploring the First-Ever Outcome-Based DIB for Poverty Alleviation in Africa
More than 767 million people worldwide still live in extreme poverty, with just over half in sub-Saharan Africa. We believe that achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goal 1 of ending extreme poverty by 2030 is possible, but not without economic growth, major innovation and additional funding. Read more
What youth in Nepal need is – “A digital piggy bank”
Would you be surprised if we told you that there are over 5 million youngsters in Nepal and 82% of them are literate and over 95% of them have access to internet and mobile phones- Pretty good, right? But what if we tell you that only 19% of them are banked- have access to an official banking product. Read more
How Smart Campaign Research Is Influencing Client Protection Policy in Peru
n recent years, Peru has called for our attention not only for being at the top of the Global Microscope’s international country rankings for the most conducive environment for financial inclusion, but also for its historic collaborative effort to establish a fully-interoperable nationwide digital payments platform (Bim) to support the supply of financial services. But buckle up, there is more. Read more
A Green Bond to Help Fiji Secure A Greener Future
To protect its 900,000 citizens and their livelihoods, Fiji has developed and launched a sovereign green bond—the first developing nation to do so . Read more
Too Much Money Chasing Too Few Deals? Why the Creative Economy Could Be the Next Big Focus for Impact Investing
Impact investing is going mainstream. Don’t take my word for it, that’s what Forbes, McKinsey & Company and the World Economic Forum say. Read more
Interoperability and Customer Value
Whether booking an airline ticket, making a telephone call or performing a banking transaction, interoperability exists almost everywhere in our daily lives.Yet interoperability remains largely absent from the financial services used most frequently by the poor. Read more
Making Tech Work: How Local Know-How Can Improve Digital Financial Inclusion Solutions in Challenging Markets
Technology can either revolutionize development services by lowering costs and expanding access, or it can be an expensive gimmick that doesn’t adequately address the reality on the ground. When done correctly, technology can eliminate inefficiencies, collect valuable information and expand access to critical services. Read more
Geodata for smallholders
Technological applications, such as ICT and geodata, offer great potential to improve the production and reduce the financial risk profile of smallholder farmers Read more
DGGF releases new report on the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Benin
Entrepreneurship happens mostly out of necessity in Benin, but youngsters eagerly aspire to set up and run their own business and that poses a great opportunity for ecosystem stakeholders. Read more
Digital finance is key to increasing financial inclusion in Asia Pacific
The adoption of digital finance will have a significant impact not only on financial inclusion, but also inclusive economic growth,” says Alfred Hannig, AFI’s Executive Director during his keynote address at the Asian Development Bank’s 2nd Asia Finance Forum. Read more
How Latino Entrepreneurs Can Fight Intergenerational Poverty: The Impact of Retirement Plans
Hispanics in the United States today are a young and vibrant segment of the population, a source of economic and demographic growth, who in 2016 had an estimated buying power of $1.4 trillion; That impressive purchasing power hides the reality of economic inequality Read more
Launch of GREENCoffee App for coffee farmers in Vietnam
The GREENCoffee Mobile App has been launched and is now available in the Play and Apple stores. The app provides information services to coffee farmers in Vietnam, such as weather, market prices and soil fertility. Read more
Microfinance in action: Kick-starting a table football business
Oikocredit’s longstanding partnership with Banco Pyme de la Comunidad is enabling micro-entrepreneurs in Bolivia to build flourishing, sustainable businesses Read more
Insights into the Malian entrepreneurial ecosystem
The third report in the Dutch Good Growth Fund #ClosingTheGap series covering francophone West Africa is released! Read more
Empowering OPIC: Why the U.S. Should Embrace Development Finance and Harness the Power of Impact Investing
The coming decades will be defined by dramatic changes that threaten to upend natural and man-made systems alike. From population growth and migration to dwindling natural resources and technological disruption, the impacts of these trends will be complex. Read more
Who Are Kenya’s Financially Excluded?
The recent 2017 Finscope Tanzania report shows that while mobile money use in Tanzania continues to grow, the percentage of financially excluded adults has risen in parallel — from 27 percent in 2013 to 28 percent in 2017. Read more
Financial Inclusion: Specific Services for Particular Customers
So far, financial services are somehow included in our life, having reached a status where not having these kind of services mean a non-existence scenario. But this necessities that we have achieved are not the same all around the world and in other societies. Read more
MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company Linking 8 MFIs to United Bank’s “UBL Omni” Branchless Banking Service
United Bank Limited (UBL), a Karachi-based commercial bank, and the Pakistan Microfinance Investment Company (PMIC), an organization funded by the governments of the UK and Germany, recently reached an agreement through which PMIC will link eight of its partner microfinance institutions (MFIs) to UBL Omni, a branchless banking service. Read more
ADB, AFI partner to increase financial inclusion in Asia with new MOU
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) today signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI) to promote greater financial inclusion in the Asia and Pacific region. Read more
The Curious Case of Myanmar: Can the Country Leapfrog to Digital Financial Inclusion?
A digitally savvy population. A rapidly growing economy. A leapfrogging mindset. It may be hard to believe that these characteristics describe present-day Myanmar, a country that just five years ago faced economic stagnation. But as reforms have been brought into action, Myanmar’s fledgling journey of economic transformation has shown promise. Read more
Key Takeaways from the World Bank/IMF Annual Meetings
Twice each year – in both the fall and the spring – thousands of global development practitioners from government, the private sector, civil society, and academia descend upon Washington, D.C. for the World Bank/IMF Meetings. Read more
52.1 million people in Latin America protected by microinsurance
In the aftermath of recent natural disasters in the region, a new study on the landscape of microinsurance sheds light on its potential for building resilience amongst the poor Read more
Impact investing needs a common language
The field of sustainable and impact investing has shown tremendous growth over the last few years. But there are still too many asset owners sitting on the sidelines, interested in making an impact but not yet investing for it. Read more
IFC and Opportunity Bank Support Farmers, Micro and Small Enterprises in Serbia
IFC is providing a RSD 775 million (approximately €6.5 million equivalent) loan to Opportunity Bank Serbia (OBS) to help finance farmers, and micro and small enterprises (MSEs), so they can grow their businesses and generate new jobs. Read more
A new government in the Netherlands
26 October 2017: the Netherlands announced its new government, known as Rutte III. Who is the new minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation? And what will the government’s plans mean for development cooperation in the near future? An overview. Read more
Mastercard, Bank Asia and a2i team for financial inclusion in Bangladesh
Access to Information (a2i, an innovation lab supported by the Bangladeshi government), Bank Asia and Mastercard have signed a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) to facilitate financial inclusion in Bangladesh by making digital payment services accessible countrywide through the Union Digital Centres (UDCs). Read more
Bij de aanpak van klimaatverandering is meer ambitie nodig
De gevolgen van klimaatverandering zijn huiveringwekkend: meer en hevigere natuurrampen, meer droogte, meer voedseltekorten en meer mensen op de vlucht. Bij de pakken neerzitten, biedt geen soelaas. We moeten ambitie tonen. Read more
DGGF releases new report on enterpreneurship in Togo
Entrepreneurship is on the rise, but access to finance remains an important issue for local entrepreneurs Read more
The Longest Last Mile: Are India’s Poor Ready for Digital Financial Services?
With the recent policy push to transform India into a digital economy, the focus in the context of financial inclusion seems heavily inclined toward digital financial services (DFS) for all. But are India’s poor ready to shift to digital platforms of financial services? Read more
Benefits and Burdens of Digital Retail Payments
Digitizing merchant payments presents a clear business opportunity. But what are the opportunities for poor people? Read more
Shell and FMO to finance impact projects in Africa and India
The Shell Foundation and the Dutch development bank FMO have committed to work together to increase funds for impact finance in the energy sector in Sub-Saharan Africa and India. Read more
90-second update: Boosting finance for Africa’s women-led businesses
70% of women-owned SMEs in emerging markets are underserved by financial institutions, according to the World Bank – a trend that a group of women in Africa are seeking to change. Read more
UNCDF releases it's new digital financial services toolkit
UNCDF’s MicroLead programme team is proud to introduce its fifth digital financial services (DFS) toolkit: Create Your Own Mobile Banking Channel. This step-by-step guide, from UNCDF/MicroLead and Mastercard Foundation, is available in both French and English, and features real-world case studies of MicroLead partners Fidelity Bank in Ghana, Mwanga Community Bank and Equity Bank in Tanzania. Read more
What Should We Realistically Expect from Regulatory Sandboxes?
Regulatory sandboxes are garnering attention as a potential way to unleash financial sector innovation, and it would not be surprising to see a wave of new sandboxes appear. Read more
FMO supporting women and young entrepreneurs in Jordan
Dutch development bank FMO has agreed to provide a long-term loan of JOD 5 million (approximately USD 7 million) to SME-lender SANADCOM, a spin-off company of Microfund for Women, Jordan's leading privately owned Microfinance Institution. Read more
ING sets up EUR300m fintech fund
ING has become the latest bank to launch a fintech venture fund, earmarking EUR300 million for investments in promising startups. Read more
Blockchain: Opportunities for Private Enterprises in Emerging Markets
Examining the potential and perils of blockchain, with particular focus on financial sectors Read more
Bridging the Gender Gap: Promoting Women’s Financial Inclusion
Guidance on tackling challenges in achieving gender parity in financial inclusion Read more
How MFIs Respond When Crisis Hits
The impact of a regional crisis on the MFI and SME finance sectors in Central Asia and Caucasus. Read more
ACTIAM Impact Investing Study Trip Cambodia
This year marks the first study trip welcoming non-investors. While being on the ground, our own vision and ideas for the impact investing sector get sparked. Even more important, study trips always showed room for improving our own policy & practice and finally, our investors have often returned home feeling inspired. Read more
Annual Report UNSGSA for Inclusive Finance for Development
We are pleased to share the eighth annual report of the UN Secretary-General's Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development. Read more
Impact Bonds in Developing Countries: Early learnings from the field
During UNGA week Convergence and the Center for Universal Education at the Brookings Institution launched the report Impact Bonds in Developing Countries: Early learnings from the field. As of August 1, 2017, there were nearly 90 impact bonds contracted in high-income countries, but the tool is still relatively new in the developing country context with four contracted to date. Read more
Blockchain: Opportunities for Private Enterprises in Emerging Markets
IFC worked with key influencers and experts in the world of blockchain, distributed ledgers, and digital finance to create a series of six in-depth research papers examining the potential and perils of blockchain. These documents collectively examine the general contours and technology underlying blockchain, its growing impact in the financial services sector, and its implications for emerging markets. Read more
Bijna 250 miljoen euro extra financiering voor scale-ups en startups
Het ministerie van Economische Zaken heeft vandaag tijdens het Startup-fest in Amsterdam samen met het Europees Investeringsfonds (EIF) 100d miljoen euro aan extra financiering voor scale-ups bekend gemaakt. Deze snelgroeiende startups krijgen daarmee hulp om hun activiteiten verder uit te bouwen. In het fonds gaan marktpartijen naar verwachting nog eens 100 miljoen euro aan kapitaal investeren. Daarnaast komt er voor startups via de SEED Capital-regeling 49,5 miljoen euro beschikbaar aan financiering. Read more
Making the Gender Gap Visible: An overview of demand-side data on women’s financial inclusion.
Understanding the existing financial inclusion data landscape, and parsing through the mountain of data to find meaningful patterns to advance women’s financial inclusion can be overwhelming. Furthermore, global data sets, historically, have not been sex disaggregated, which adds to the present difficulties of measuring progress in women’s financial inclusion. Read more
2-question interview with Peter Heijen - Founder and CEO of Lendahand.
“A few years back I travelled through Nepal, India and Bangladesh. I witnessed first-hand that entrepreneurship and jobs are the strongest weapons in fighting poverty. Many business owners, however, did not have access to affordable finance. Crowdfunding seemed like a good solution and that is why I founded Lendahand.” Read more
Vote for Josien Sluijs in VIVA400 awards!
Please vote for Josien! (Deadline 31st of October) Read more
2nd DNB Seminar on Financial Inclusion
Josien Sluijs, the Director of Npm, Platform for Inclusive Finance, gave a speech on the best efforts in organizing and promoting inclusive finance. This was a great opportunity to share the experience and expertise of NpM with a unique group of representatives of central banks from different countries. Read more
Dutch Good Growth Fund for Startups
Do you have a new product for a DGGF country? Or do you want to introduce an existing product to a DGGF country? Securing financial backing can be difficult. However, the Netherlands Enterprise Agency can provide the financial support you need! Read more
Finalists for European Microfinance Award on Microfinance for Housing Announced
The First MicroFinance Bank Afghanistan; Mibanco of Peru; and Cooperative Tosepantomin of Mexico Announced as Finalists for European Microfinance Award on Microfinance for Housing. Read more
Mapping Africa’s Latest Innovations in Digital Finance
Earlier this year, CGAP invited firms and organizations to submit proposals for digital innovations they believe have the most potential to advance financial inclusion in Africa. Our goal was to accelerate their success by covering costs of piloting and disseminating results. Read more
Fixing Financial Inclusion’s Gender Gap: Fast-Growing ‘Community of Practice’ Seeks Solutions
Life without formal financial services results in expensive, insecure and inefficient coping strategies, which often fail to meet the broad range of individual financial needs. Yet this is the reality faced by the majority of women in the developing world. Read more
Dutch programme to boost bank-fintech collaboration in Africa
The Dutch development bank FMO has come together with fintech firm Above & Beyond to launch an innovation programme that aims to stimulate collaboration between banks and fintech firms and accelerate financial inclusion in Africa. Read more
Unilever Joins Better Than Cash Alliance, Embraces Digital Finance Across Value Chain
In an effort to advance the goals outlined in its Sustainable Living Plan, in which it aims to positively impact the lives of 5.5 million people by 2020, consumer goods giant Unilever has announced a new partnership with the Better Than Cash Alliance. Read more
The Long Road to Branchless Banking
FINCA’s Experience Deploying Agency Banking in Africa (Report) Read more
Frontiers Market Series; Digital Money Grid India
The course takes 4 weeks to complete, is self-paced, you will require 4-6 hours per week and is delivered online in a digital classroom. Read more
Get Certified in 6 months without boundaries or borders!
Join more than 700 participants across the globe taking Frankfurt School Development Finance e-Campus online courses and Get Certified in 6 Months. Gain expertise and enrich yourself with the e-Campus learning experience. Read more
How financial inclusion impacts climate change (video)
How does financial inclusion impact climate change? What is the Sharm El Sheikh Accord about? Find out in this video clip. Read more
From Farm to Phone to Table: A Case Study Series Explores the Impact of Digital Tools on Agriculture
Over the past 10 years, and particularly over the past five, the use of mobile phones and internet-enabled, digital tools in farming activities has skyrocketed. Today, the smartphone or tablet is no longer seen just in the developed world; at least one mobile phone now sits in the pockets or hands of over 60 percent of the population in the developing world. Read more
The world’s first “Humanitarian Impact Bond” launched to transform financing of aid in conflict-hit countries
Geneva (ICRC) - The ICRC has created the world's first "Humanitarian Impact Bond" to help transform the way vital services for people with disabilities are financed in conflict-hit countries. Read more
UFA2020 Overview: Universal Financial Access by 2020
The UFA goal is that by 2020, adults, who currently aren't part of the formal financial system, have access to a transaction account to store money, send and receive payments as the basic building block to manage their financial lives. The World Bank Group has committed to enabling 1 billion people to gain access to a transaction account through targeted interventions. Read more
Women farmers seek level field
The government’s attempts to double income from farming by 2022 may not succeed if policies and schemes currently in place continue to exclude a sizeable chunk of farmers who are women. If the government is serious about doubling farmers’ incomes, it needs to support women farmers who currently have no rights over land and resources, said women farmer leaders from different parts of the country, who assembled here on Tuesday for a two-day national consultation on women farmers’ issues. Read more
The Currency Exchange Fund (TCX) celebrates 10 years of achievement
Manon Stravens spoke to Ruurd Brouwer, CEO of TCX, about how the fund’s pioneering work in frontier markets has made local currency borrowing possible and its plans to service more business in the energy and infrastructure sectors. Read more
IFC launches blended finance platform with Convergence
People living on less than US$8 a day in developing countries are the focus of a new drive by the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and investor networking institution Convergence to channel public and private capital into education and healthcare. Read more
Speech Frank Elderson - Towards a better, more digital, financially inclusive world
During the event 'Financial Inclusion; a prerequisite to reach the SDGs’ Executive Director of DNB, Frank Elderson gave a speech about the importance of inclusive finance for the DNB. Read more
Financial Inclusion is Failing Farmers: How the Sector Can Finally Reach the $200 Billion Smallholder Market
The financial inclusion sector is failing to meet the needs of its largest base of potential new customers, and a lack of information on how to offer it services is a major cause. Why isn’t the financial inclusion sector addressing the needs of smallholders? One major reason is a lack of information available in agricultural finance. Read more
Dutch inclusive finance sector commits 3 billion euros to reach SDGs
“Key to success is partnerships with a more diverse stakeholder group” The thirteen largest Dutch investors cooperate as members of NpM, Platform for Inclusive Finance, and have renewed their commitment to use their investments to reach the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the NpM event ‘Financial inclusion: a prerequisite to reach the SDGs’ which was hosted at FMO, the Dutch Development Bank on 7 September. Read more
Rabobank Foundation wins Jacques Diouf Award
Rabobank Foundation received the FAO’s international Jacques Diouf Award on July 5th. This is recognition for the foundation’s many years of work and dedication. Rabobank Foundation was presented with the award for its efforts to support and economically strengthen small farming communities in developing countries. Read more
Blog of Hoi-Ming Mak (ING): Boulder Microfinance Training Program
On the 16th of July I landed at Torino Airport. At that moment, I was still flabbergasted that I was selected by CGAP, NpM and ING to participate in the Boulder Microfinance Training Program. Boulder is a renowned institution in the area of inclusive finance and is doing this for already 22 years. As such my expectations were high and I was eager to learn the latest challenges/trends. Read more
How Financial Institutions and Fintechs Are Partnering for Inclusion: Lessons from the Frontlines
Unlocking value for customers through partnerships This report examines how partnerships between mainstream financial institutions such as banks, insurers, payment companies and fintechs are addressing financial inclusion challenges and expanding access to the formal financial economy for underserved segments of the global population, particularly in emerging markets. Read more
Gateway Quiz: How In Touch Are You With the Youth of Today?
How In Touch Are You With the Youth of Today? A vast majority of youth and children live in developing countries, and nearly half of them live on less than USD 2 a day. Take this quiz to find out how much you know about young people and their financial lives. Read more
China's Poor Are Finally Getting A Fair Shot At Borrowing Money
China has struggled to extend loans to low-income groups since reform began in 1979, but government regulation, coupled with financial technology, is now helping to address this class of borrowers. Microloans are increasingly available to a wider group of people, rendering higher risk borrowing methods obsolete. Read more
Smallholder farmers are investable
Inclusive agriculture is defined as agricultural markets and value chains that are inclusive of the world’s half-billion smallholder farmers. Such models link these farmers with larger economic actors, ultimately improving agricultural productivity, expanding markets and trade, and increasing the economic resilience of vulnerable rural communities. Read more
2017 CGAP Photo Contest Seeks Entries on Financial Inclusion, Microfinance, Digital Finance
This year CGAP is seeking photo entries that show how people in both rural and urban areas are using digital finance in innovative ways to build greater resiliency through financial tools, and conduct their financial lives. We also want to see ways that financial services are helping them cope with humanitarian crises. In addition, entrants are encouraged to submit images that show how traditionally excluded groups such as women and youth are connecting with digital finance. Read more
Earth observation supports smallholder farmers
Eight videos illustrate how satellite observations and geodata are utilized in nine G4AW projects to provide information services. In several projects the services are being piloted, in a few projects scaling has started or will start soon. Read more
DGGF 'Closing the Gap Guinea' report is launched
We are glad to share with you the first report of the regional study covering francophone West African entrepreneurial ecosystems under the #ClosingTheGap series. Read more
State of Sector Agri- and Rural finance report by CSAF
The Council on Smallholder Agricultural Finance (CSAF) provides a forum for members to share learning and develop industry standards that accelerate market growth, influence responsible lending practices, and improve social and environmental impact. Read more
FMO Issues $344k Convertible Loan to Umati Capital Kenya, Fintech Funding Agricultural Value Chain Actors
The Netherlands Development Finance Company, a government-backed institution also known by its Dutch acronym FMO, recently announced it will finance Umati Capital Kenya, a financial technology (fintech) firm, with a convertible facility in local currency equivalent to USD 344,000. Read more
NpM initiative: Study on responsible exits in inclusive finance
the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP), the NpM Platform for Inclusive Finance and the Financial Inclusion Equity Council (FIEC) have commissioned a paper to synthesize stakeholder input on responsible exits in inclusive finance. Read more
Luxembourg university strikes global partnerships and new finance programme
The University of Luxembourg's faculty of law, economics and finance ended the academic year by gaining a certification of standards for the third straight time, striking global partnerships and introducing a new programme on inclusive finance. Read more
World's best bank for financial inclusion 2017: Citi
Solving the challenge of world’s unbanked is going to take investment, innovation, and an ability to bring together key players in payments, fintech and microfinance. No bank is quite as committed to that combination as Citi. Read more
Why 'cashless societies' don't benefit the poor
India’s working poor rely almost exclusively on cash. With 93 percent of the country working in informal off-the-books jobs, most transactions entail personalized relationships rather than standardized forms of legal contract or corporate institutions. This research on the persistence of Delhi’s informal recycling economy shows just how important cash is to low-income laborers. Read more
ICT in Agriculture (Updated Edition): Connecting Smallholders to Knowledge, Networks, and Institutions
Sourcebook, first launched in 2011 and designed to support practitioners, decision makers, and development partners who work at the intersection of ICT and agriculture. Our hope is that this updated Sourcebook will be a practical guide to understanding current trends, implementing appropriate interventions, and evaluating the impact of ICT interventions in agricultural programs. Read more
European Space Agency kick-start activities in fintech
This Call for Kick-start Activities is dedicated to the theme "FinTech". It is designated to support or enable innovative FinTech-related applications and services based on the integration of space and non-space technology. Read more
MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: The MasterCard Foundation Fund for Rural Prosperity Awards $3m to Ibero Uganda, First Access, Letshego; Is Accepting Applications for More Funding Through August 10
KPMG, a network of professional firms providing business services in 155 countries, recently informed MicroCapital that The MasterCard Foundation Fund for Rural Prosperity has awarded USD 1 million each to various financial services providers in different countries. Read more
What does the future hold for financial inclusion?
CGAP spoke with over 100 leading thinkers about likely future scenarios for financial inclusion. Find out what we heard in this new publication and blog. Read more
The Business Case for Investing in Graduation
This paper presents the case for scaling Graduation such that it can make a significant, measurable contribution to achieving the global goal of ending extreme poverty by 2030. Read more
Research on Dutch SME Offer
NpM, Platform for Inclusive Finance and PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) are conducting a research to determine the Dutch SME Offer. During the kick-off meeting at PwC, on 30th of May, the steering group defined the aim and scope of the research and discussed next steps. Read more
FMO supports award-winning Nigerian social enterprise Babban Gona
FMO has extended a US$ 4 million loan to Babban Gona via its Farmer Finance program. The investment comes from MASSIF, the financial inclusion fund that FMO manages on behalf of the Dutch government. Read more
NpM has moved to a new office!
NpM, Platform for Inclusive Finance has moved to a new location. You are most welcome to visit! Read more
Accelerating Startups in Emerging Markets
The second major report from GALI, written in collaboration with Deloitte, compares acceleration in emerging markets versus high-income countries. Examining data from more than 2,400 early stage ventures that applied to 43 programs, it finds more similarities between emerging market and high-income country entrepreneurs and accelerator programs than commonly believed. Read more
UN study: Digitization of Kenyan farmer payments helps tackle poverty
One Acre Fund cut payment losses and collection costs by over 80 percent, boosting farmers’ satisfaction and economic opportunity Read more
Call for consultant: Training for Investment Officers
e-MFP is looking for a consultant to conduct a one day training for Investment Officers on ‘Due diligence for MFIs venturing into SME finance’. Read more
NpM Contributed to Workshop on Agricultural Finance in Myanmar
In the past three years, Myanmar’s banking and finance sector has witnessed rapid growth, primarily aided by foreign direct investment inflows and economic liberalisation. Despite this growth, however, millions of farmers lack access to finance due to the absence of financial institutions and barriers to affordable lending in rural areas. Read more
Affordable crop insurance for smallholder farmers
ICS, Agrics, Dutch insurance company Achmea, reinsurer Swiss Re, satellite data expert EARS and Kenyan insurance company UAP join forces to develop an accessible and affordable insurance product for smallholder farmers. The partners aim to minimize the costs of an insurance product to make it affordable for farmers. Read more
We are working hard to ensure affordable financing – Whensu
The Microfinance subsector has reiterated its commitment to ensuring affordable financing to Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) especially those at the bottom of the pyramid with regards to access to funding and enhancement of financial inclusion. In this interview, Mr. Valentine Whensu, President, National Association of Microfinance Banks (NAMB), harps on the subsector’s effort toward alleviating financial exclusion and creating jobs. Read more
Lack of financial inclusion impedes economic growth: UNB-E vice chairperson
The lack of financial inclusion hinders economic growth and deprives citizens of better job and life opportunities, says Mohamed Nasr Abdeen, vice chairperson of the Union National Bank Egypt (UNB-E). Abdeen told Daily News Egypt that the public and private sectors should work together based on a well-studied plan to achieve financial inclusion in Egypt. Read more
Big Chinese banks asked to launch 'inclusive finance' units: Xinhua
China's State Council has asked the country's big commercial banks to set up "inclusive finance" departments by the end of the year to support small businesses, entrepreneurs and farmers, and help alleviate poverty. Read more
Financial Inclusion: Why Technology Will Only Get Us so Far
There is no social change without change in people.” That means a change in their capabilities, in the broadest sense. Justice requires people to have the freedom to do what they would choose to do if they could, if they had the capability to choose. Read more
How to IPO Successfully and Responsibly: Lessons From Indian Financial Inclusion Institutions
This paper examines the 2016 IPOs of two Indian microlenders – Equitas Holdings and Ujjivan Financial Services – and how “hardwiring” their missions into their operations and corporate culture helped drive their success. Read more
Call for consultant: Training for Investment Officers
e-MFP is looking for a consultant to conduct a one day training for Investment Officers on ‘Due diligence for MFIs venturing into SME finance’. Read more
The MasterCard Foundation Launches 2017 Clients at the Centre Prize
On 3rd of April the MasterCard Foundation launched its 2017 Clients at the Centre Prize competition as it invited applications from financial service providers for the US$150,000 in prize money. Awarded annually, the Prize recognizes a financial service provider, working with poor people in developing countries, that demonstrates outstanding client-centric behaviour. Read more
How to Make Financial Inclusion Work for Women
This series on gender and finance will provide an overview of some of the key themes that affect the financial inclusion of women today. Read more
Two Billion Emerging Consumers are Only a Handset Away From Financial Inclusion
Think about this for a moment: 165 million people in India don’t have access to a bank account. However, with mobile technology rallying across the emerging markets, the tools to turn the tide on financial inclusion are finally within reach. India is home to 1 billion mobile users, creating a vast opportunity to enable millions of consumers to access financial services through a simple handset. Read more
Rabobank launches VC fund focused on innovative food and agri companies
Rabo Private Equity has launched the Rabo Food & Agri Innovation Fund that will invest venture capital in high-potential, early-stage food & agri companies that complement the bank’s Banking for Food strategy, which is Rabobank’s vision on global food security and the role that the bank plays as an institution. Read more
The potential of Agency Banking in Uganda
The Ugandan financial sector is awaiting the final changes in a regulation that will allow the banking sector to propel into Agency Banking. With Agency Banking a third party, an agent, can provide bank services outside of bank offices. Providing services through agents grant banks access to an untapped market potential; rural communities. Read more
INVESTING IN WOMEN: NEW EVIDENCE FOR THE BUSINESS CASE
IFC's new report, Investing in Women: New Evidence for the Business Case, demonstrates how IFC clients, including banks and agribusiness companies, have benefited from developing and implementing gender-smart solutions. Read more
How Microfinance Helped Nepali Women Recover From the 2015 Earthquake
In the weeks that followed the earthquake, the women, like many of the 700,000 families who lost their homes, had to borrow money to build shelter or purchase goods on credit. Those who had taken loans from the women’s NGO could not repay them. A month after the quake, the women met and decided they would just have to start over. Savings and credit had transformed their lives once. Read more
Meeting Education Finance Needs in Rural Uganda
To investigate the struggles that households face in paying for education, CGAP recently partnered with next-generation energy company Fenix International and Dalberg’s Design Impact Group (DIG) to carry out in-depth household interviews with Fenix customers. Fenix’s flagship product, ReadyPay Power, enables off-grid customers to access affordable solar power through a pay-as-you-go model. Read more
Protecting Children in the Age of Digital Finance
At a time when the digital economy is proliferating at a rapid pace, children and youth are exposed to more and more opportunities to interact with money by making digital payments through apps and websites. To ensure that they make proper use of these payment options, minors need to be educated and safeguarded. Read more
Two-Sided Mobile Platform Creates ‘Network Effect’ to Help Patients, Health Clinics
A large percentage of people in developing countries seek health care in private hospitals, clinics and pharmacies and pay for their care out of pocket. This private health sector is extremely fragmented, quality of care is often poor and prices charged to out-of-pocket paying patients are extremely high. Two interlinked programs conceived by a group in the Netherlands are attempting to address this problem at large scale. Both have achieved remarkable growth within a short period after their start. Read more
Geodata Technology Moving Into New Fields. Literally.
Geodata and ICT applications help farmers around the world with precision farming. They receive weather information and advice on which seeds or fertilizers to use and when to irrigate their plots. That leads to increased yields and improved quality. This information has not yet been made available to financial institutions at a large scale but it has an enormous potential to increase access to finance for smallholder farmers. Read more
Publication: The Role of Financial Services in Humanitarian Crises
Financial inclusion is one potentially foundational opportunity to support people affected by crises. Financial inclusion allows low-income households to build assets; mitigate shocks related to emergencies, illness, or injury; and make productive investments. Read more
NpM members appoint new Chairman of the Board: Menno Snel
NpM, Netherlands Platform for Inclusive Finance, has appointed Menno Snel as the new Chairman of the Board as of today. Read more
MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: NpM, Rabobank, FMO Promote Satellite Data to Help Farmers Improve Yields, Access Finance
The NpM Platform for Inclusive Finance, formerly known as the Netherlands Platform for Microfinance, and the Rabobank Foundation, an affiliate of the Dutch cooperative Rabobank, recently launched an effort called “Geodata for Inclusive Finance and Food Security.” Read more
Profile of Luuk Zonneveld, CEO of the Belgian Investment Company for Developing Countries (BIO)
Luuk Zonneveld, CEO of Belgian’s development finance institution BIO, has just returned from the Democratic Republic of Congo and it has clearly left a profound impression. Read more
Call for applications 2017 European Microfinance Award
The European Microfinance Award 2017 “Microfinance for Housing” is intended to highlight the role of microfinance in supporting access to better quality residential housing for low income, vulnerable and excluded groups, with no or limited access to housing finance in the mainstream sector. Read more
Financing the Frontier: Inclusive Financial Sector Development in Fragility-Affected Africa
The new Mercy Corps research report “Financing the Frontier: Inclusive Financial Sector Development in Fragility-Affected Africa” examines the impact of inclusive financial sector development on poverty, fragility, and stability across Sub-Saharan Africa. Read more
Interest rate cap will hurt rural families
On March 13, the National Bank of Cambodia announced a major new policy. Starting April 1, all microfinance institution operating in Cambodia will be required to lend at interest rates no higher than 18 percent per year. This is a deeply misguided regulation that will undo over a decade’s worth of successful financial policies. Read more
Application Call for Proposals G4AW
The Geodata for Agriculture and Water (G4AW) Facility is a grant programme of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It falls under the policy priority of food security, which focuses on increasing and enhancing sustainable food production as well as achieving more efficient agricultural water use, particularly in irrigated areas and water basins in the G4AW partner countries. Read more
Boeren mogen gratis gebruikmaken van satellietbeelden
Boeren mogen gratis gebruik gaan maken van satellietdata. Ze kunnen zo beter in de gaten houden hoe hun gewas groeit en of de grond nat genoeg is. De gegevens worden als open data beschikbaar gesteld, meldt het ministerie van Economische Zaken. Gespecialiseerde bedrijven kunnen de data analyseren en er informatie van maken die bruikbaar is voor de boeren. Read more
Interview FMO in P+ about impact investing
P+ interviewed Fund Manager Jeroen Harteveld about FMO's MASSIF Fund: how does this fund make a social impact and is profitable at the same time? Read more
Housing microfinance: An opportunity for vast impact
This year's European Microfinance Award focuses on the topic of housing. Read here a blog about the importance of microfinance for improved housing facilities. Read more
Making Africa Work
Making Africa Work is a government funded program run by PUM Netherlands senior experts and Africa in Motion. It aims to support entrepreneurs in the Netherlands who have a viable business plan for Africa. Read more
NpM publishes research 'Geodata and ICT Solutions for Inclusive Finance and Food Security'
The publication 'Geodata and ICT Solutions for Inclusive Finance and Food Security' shows that small-scale farmers are increasingly using ICT applications. This offers opportunities for financial institutions, as farmers become less risky to finance. The publication is based on an analysis of 250 projects. Read more
NpM and Rabobank Foundation launch Board of Inspiration 'Geodata for inclusive finance and food'
On 16 February NpM and Rabobank Foundation launched a Board of Inspiration for the promotion of the use of satellite data for the financing of smallholder farmers in developing countries. Under the guidance of Prins Pieter-Christiaan van Oranje Nassau, participating organisations in the Board are NPM, Rabobank Foundation, FMO and the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Read more
Impact investor Oikocredit appoints Thos Gieskes as managing director
7 February 2017 – Amersfoort, the Netherlands. Social investor Oikocredit today announced that it will welcome Thos Gieskes as its new managing director as of April 2017. Read more
G4AW Third Call for Proposals: registration information day is open
17 February, the Hague Read more
IISD report: Promoting gender equality in foreign agricultural investments
Lessons from voluntary sustainability standards Read more
UN agency urges support for small farmers to help them not just get by, but thrive and feed others
Highlighting growing challenges, such as climate change and natural resource scarcity, facing small farmers in developing countries, the head of the United Nations agricultural agency called for information technology tools that can help boost their resilience as well as feed a growing world population. Read more
DGGF Bidding Opportunity entrepreneurial ecosystems Mekong region
Understanding key challenges for the “missing middle” in entrepreneurial ecosystems of the Mekong region Read more
Lendahand nominated for Dutch FinTech Awards 2017
Lendahand is a social crowdfunding platform where people can finance SMEs in upcoming economies at an interest rate of 3-4% with the main goal to create jobs. Read more
CGAP Annual Report 2016
This annual report documents CGAP's progress and activities in Fiscal Year 2016. Read more
NOS (Dutch news): Nederlandse technologie kan Ugandese landbouw redden
The Dutch national news reporter Kees Broere shows how Dutch technology can save Ugandan agriculture. NpM organises a conference on 16 February Read more
ICCO Investments awarded the first-ever IIX Trailblazer Award
ICCO Investments, an investment initiative of the Netherlands-based ICCO Cooperation, received the first-ever IIX Trailblazer Award at the inaugural Impact Investment Trailblazer Showcase for their commitment to redefining finance and generating social impact in the global community. Read more
Desmond Fortes Scholarship
The scholarship is meant for ambitious professionals from Asia and Africa who are employed within the client network of FMO and have a strong interest in green banking. Start: 2017-2018 academic year Read more
Winner 2016 GCAP Photo Contest
Wim Opmeer wins 2016 CGAP Photo Contest with a picture of a client of Oikocredit International. Read more
Microcapital about Green Inclusive Finance
Microcapital published an article based on the session "Investing in Green Inclusive Finance: Challenges, opportunities, strategies the way forward" at the European Microfinance Week in Luxemburg. Read more
Trouw about Finance for Refugees
Dutch news paper Trouw writes article about finance for refugees Read more
The FinTech Index
ING has developed an index to assess the fintech environment of 73 developing and emerging countries. The index covers three broad aspects that can influence and drive fintech investment decisions: Demand, supply and the political and regulatory risk environment. Read more
European Microfinance Week wraps up with debate on digital finance's threat to traditional microfinance
European Microfinance Week (#emw2016), organised by the European Microfinance Platform (e-MFP) on its tenth anniversary, concluded Friday in Luxembourg. Read more
Kashf Foundation, winner of the 7th European Microfinance Award "Microfinance and Access to Education".
The Pakistani Kashf Foundation was awarded the European Microfinance Award of €100,000 by the Luxembourg Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs in recognition of its credit facilities to low-cost private schools, at a ceremony held at the European Investment Bank in Luxembourg. Read more
Financial inclusion, advancing sustainable development
UNSGSA Annual Report 2016 to the Secretary General Read more
'Investeren in Afrika is de moeite waard, maar je moet wel reëel blijven'
Interview met Jürgen Rigterink, de nieuwe directeur van de Nederlandse ontwikkelingsbank FMO. (Dutch only) Read more
Status NpM Members on Green Financial Inclusion
This assessment of the status of greening inclusive finance across the members of the Dutch Platform for Inclusive Finance (NpM) has been undertaken by Enclude in order to determine which next steps should follow the 2015 signing of the Letter of Intent. Read more
The Green Index 2.0, An innovative tool to assess environmental performance in the microfinance sector
The Green Index 2.0 is the most recent experience based tool developed by the e-MFP Microfinance and Environment Action Group to assess the environmental performance of MFIs. Read more
ING Conference A Billion to Gain 2016
On the 2nd of October 2016, ING organised it's annual A Billion to Gain conference themed 'Digital Inclusion, the next step...' Read more
How to invest in poverty reduction - Oikocredit and NpM in OneWorld
In the past forty years, with investments in microfinance, Oikocredit has been giving small entrepreneurs in developing countries the extra needed boost. Sounds simple, but how does that work exactly? Read more
Dutch finance solutions for sustainable palm oil win competition
Nine innovators with breakthrough solutions to help Indonesia’s independent smallholder farmers produce sustainable palm oil have been chosen to pitch their ideas to leaders in business, forest conservation, international development and government. Read more
Guidebook for Development Finance Institutions on Nominating Members to the Boards of Investee Companies
Development Finance Institutions (DFI) Working Group on Corporate Governance has produced a Guidebook on how to nominate directors to investee companies. Read more
Microfinance Barometer 2016
The 7th Annual Microfinance Barometer aims to highlight the essential role of microfinance as a financial tool for everyone in achieving the 17 goals of the SDGs. Read more
2016 European Microfinance Award
The 7th European Microfinance Award 2016 "Microfinance and Access to Education" finalists announcement. Read more
ICGN offers ESG Integration course
The ESG integration training programme helps investors identify, analyse and integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) information into the investment process. Read more
Triple Jump Celebrates 10th Anniversary
Triple jump will provide an inspirational afternoon, to reflect on accomplishments and milestones achieved thus far. Read more
e-MFP ROI AG: September Online Meeting and Upcoming Webinars
To generate concrete tools and ideas for the members, the ROI action group brings together stakeholders from different organizations involved in rural development, initiating a dialogue on specific business relevant topics. Read more
Banking Review published article by Josien Sluijs (in Dutch): "How to finance smallholders?"
Banking Review published an article by Josien Sluijs, NpM director, about the first of a series of Experts Meeting in Uganda, Tanzania and Kenya. Read more
Vice Versa publishes 4th blog Josien Sluijs, Director NpM on the importance of technology for rural development
What role can technology play in professionalizing value chains? Read about 2 social enterprises in Kenya. Read more
Next Billion, 09 August 2016: 10 Developments Shaping Smallholder Finance in Africa
Next Billion published an article written by Josien Sluijs, NpM director, talking about the most important remarks of the three expert meetings 2016. Read more
Triple Jump Celebrates 10 Years of Inclusive Finance
In the past 10 years Triple Jump has contributed to both the social and economic development for underserved segments of society in emerging economies. Read more
FMO, Rabobank and Norfund join forces to support growth in Africa
Norfund, FMO and Rabobank have entered into a partnership to reaffirm their long-term commitment to strengthen inclusive financial systems in Africa. Read more
NpM at CGAP Annual Meeting in Luxembourg: “Financial Inclusion for Development”
The quarterly e-MFP Summer 2016 Newsletter published an article about CGAP’s annual meeting in Luxembourg May 10-11, which Josien Sluijs, NpM Director attended. Read more
Vice Versa publishes 3rd blog Josien Sluijs, Director NpM on her field visit to NUCAFE coffee cooperative
What role can financial institutions play in professionalizing value chains? Read about the case of the NUCAFE coffee cooperative in Uganda. Read more
Vice Versa publishes 2nd blog Josien Sluijs, Director NpM on value chain organisation for Finance for Smallholders
NpM director Josien Sluijs blogs about second expert meeting this year in Tanzania. Series of expert meetings is a follow-up of study Finance for Smallholders, published in 2015. Read more
Vice Versa publishes 1st blog Josien Sluijs, Director NpM on expert meetings Finance for Smallholders
NpM director Josien Sluijs blogs about first expert meeting this year in Uganda. Series of expert meetings is a follow-up of study Finance for Smallholders, published in 2015. Read more
Digital inclusion is a prerequisite for financial inclusion
Technology can accelerate financial inclusion by providing digital identity services that people can use to open a bank account. Read more
World Bank Group President Dr. Jim Kim calls for next generation activists to tackle global health challenges
World Bank Group President Dr. Jim Yong Kim delivered an inspiring and activating lecture about tackling the global health challenges of our time. Read more
Interview NpM Director/e-MFP Board in MicroCapital Monitor about Rural Outreach
Director of NpM, Josien Sluijs, gave an interview on the future of Rural Finance. The MicroCapital interview is part of a sponsored series on the European Microfinance Week. Read more
New expert meetings in Africa on 'Finance for Smallholders' research
NpM, AgriProFocus and the F&BKP organise another range of expert meetings in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania between 20 till 29 July 2016, aimed at sharing the enormous wealth of knowledge resulting from the joint research. Read more
11th Annual CGAP Photo Contest
Over the past decade, the annual CGAP Photo Contest has documented the remarkable ways in which access to formal financial services can improve poor people‘s day-to-day activities. The contest is now open for the 11th edition of 2016. Read more
Financial Inclusion: What's Next for Regulators? (The Economist article)
Tilman Ehrbeck, former CEO of CGAP, discusses innovative ways to expand financial inclusion. Read more
Marilou van Golstein Brouwers: "Engine sustainable development more often driven by private sector than by government" (in Dutch, ViceVersa article)
Combination business and sustainable development incorrectly subject to much skepticism, says Managing Director of Triodos Investment Management. Read more
DGGF launches study on Mezzanine Finance for small cap SMEs in in emerging markets
Dutch Good Growth Fund launches first of its kind study, representing a first step into building small cap SME mezzanine finance as an asset class on its own. Read more
Frankfurt School of Finance and Management developed new Online Master: Leadership in Development Finance (MA)
The new Online Master Programme is designed for emerging leaders who are passionate about finance and the role finance plays as a catalyst for economic development. Read more
GPFI Approves 2016 GPFI White Paper on Global SSBs
The March 2016 GPFI White Paper, Global Standard-Setting Bodies and Financial Inclusion: The Evolving Landscape, builds on the considerable progress in recent years in integrating financial inclusion into the work of global standard-setting bodies (SSBs). Read more
The Rise of the Data Scientist: How big data and data science are changing smallholder finance
New research from the Initiative for Smallholder Finance explores how innovative lenders are using new data sources and analytics to assess the creditworthiness of borrowers. Read more
Digitally Financed Energy: How Off-Grid Solar Providers Leverage Digital Payments and Drive Financial Inclusion
CGAP publishes a brief on how digital finance can help overcome the large use of inefficient, unhealthy or (too) expensive energy sources in developing countries by means of offering pay-as-you-go (PAYG) off-the grid energy. Read more
CGAP working paper reviews research on link between SDGs and financial inclusion
New CGAP working paper reviews research on link between financial inclusion and development. While SDGs do not explicitly target financial inclusion, greater access to financial services is a key enabler for many of them. Read more
MasterCard Foundation funds five companies with over $10.6m to increase rural prosperity
The Mastercard Foundation Fund for Rural Prosperity awarded five companies more than US$10.6 million to bolster innovative work for poverty alleviation by increasing access to financial services for poor people in rural Africa. Read more
Recorded Webinar: "The role of governments in scaling up agriculture (index) insurance"
On February 25th, 2016 there was a webinar on how governments can catalyse the development of agriculture insurance markets. Listen back to the webinar to learn more. Read more
Recorded Webinar: Financial Services for Refugees
Serving refugees may be the next frontier for financial inclusion. With upwards of 20 million displaced people worldwide, refugees are in great need of financial services. Listen to the webinar that identifies best practices for financial service providers (FSPs) to increase their outreach to refugees. Read more
Recorded Webinar - Value Chain Finance: How Banks can Leverage Growth Opportunities for SME Banking Customers
Listen to Qamar Saleem (Global SME Banking and Value Chain Specialist at IFC) and Dr. Eugenio Cavenaghi (Managing Director - Trade, Export & Supply Chain Finance at Banco Santander) for a presentation and Q&A. Read more
ACCION CFI launches report: "A Change in Behavior - Innovations in Financial Capability"
After over a year of research, the ACCION Center for Financial Inclusion (CFI) launches the report "A Change in Behavior: Innovations in Financial Capability". The report explores innovations that focus on triggering positive customer behaviors. Read more
Apply for 7th European Microfinance Award 2016!
The 7th European Microfinance Award themed "Microfinance and Access to Education" will be presented on 17 November 2016 during the European Microfinance Week. Check out here how to apply. Read more
Rabobank Foundation - Social Impart Report 2014
In recent years Rabobank has invested to map out the impact of Rabobank Foundation’s work. This is the second social impact report, presenting the most important findings of 2014. Read more
Published: Agricultural Value Chain Finance - A Guide for Bankers
Agricultural Value Chain Finance - A Guide for Bankers has provides practical, evidence-based guidance to financial institutions engaging in agricultural value chain finance (AVCF). Read more
Publication: Blurred lines
How FinTech is shaping Financial Services Read more
Nine short interviews with global leaders in customer centricity
Nine short interviews with global leaders in customer centricity provide an expert perspective on what it means to take a customer-centric approach in inclusive finance. Read more
China makes gains, faces hurdles in extending financial services
Recent changes by China's rural and private financial institutions will help relieve obstacles to inclusive finance, which have held back the nation's anti-poverty efforts, according to experts at the 2016 Annual Conference of the Boao Forum for Asia. Read more
A Client Protection Milestone: 50 Smart Certified Institutions; 25 Million Clients “Covered”
The Smart Campaign is thrilled to announce that a new milestone for client protection in microfinance has been reached: there are now 50 financial institutions that have been awarded Smart Certification, recognizing their commitment to fair client treatment and responsible practices. Read more
Practical Tools for a New Approach to Financial Inclusion Funding
CGAP recently published new guidelines for funders of financial inclusion which encourage funders to take a market systems approach. Read more
Financial Inclusion for Refugees: A Strategic Collaboration to Provide Access
Serving refugees may be the next frontier for financial inclusion. With upwards of 20 million displaced people worldwide, refugees are in great need of financial services. Yet, most financial service providers (FSPs) believe that “refugee microfinance” is too risky. Read more
NpM gave 2 workshops at 'Meedoen Geld(t)' conference with UNSGSA/H.M. Queen Máxima
On 22 March, NpM gave 2 workshops at the 'Meedoen Geld(t)' conference with special guest UNSGSA / H.M. Queen Máxima. The workshops were organised together with ING and FairClimateFund. Read more
Available: Fintech 100 Leading Global Fintech Innovators Report 2015
The Fintech 100 report gives an in-depth look into those global companies that are taking advantage of technology and driving disruption within the financial services industry. Read more
Financial Inclusion amid Haiti’s Political Crisis
In terms of financial inclusion, Haiti has much to be excited about. That might come as a surprise as it is considered to have among the worst environments for financial inclusion efforts, at least according to the Global Microscope. Read more
Recourse in Digital Financial Services
Providing customers with a fast and fair means of dealing with problems or complaints that arise from using digital financial services (DFS) is critical to building digital payment systems that customers will use and trust. Read more
The 8th of March: International Women's Day
Spotlight on Women's Financial Inclusion Read more
Of Maize and Money: How to Bring Farmers into the Financial System
Nearly half of the world’s farmers are unbanked. This statistic is worrying given the evidence linking financial inclusion to poverty alleviation and since over 70 percent of the world’s poor live in rural areas where agriculture is the predominant occupation. Read more
NABC interviews NpM director Josien Sluijs
Each year, the Netherlands African Business Council (nabc)publishes a comprehensive magazine,providing a great insight in business in Africa through articles, interviews and testimonials. Learn more about the conversation with NpM! Read more
European Microfinance Week Conference Report 2015 now available
Each year e-MFP organises the European Microfinance Week (EMW), followed by an elaborate conference report. Learn more about the various sessions, incl. NpM participation. Read more
CGAP's 2015 Annual Report available now!
Fiscal Year 2015 was one of momentous progress in the field of financial inclusion, and also marked CGAP's 20th anniversary. Read more
My Turn to Speak
What are microfinance clients’ thoughts on fair treatment from financial services providers? The Smart Campaign publishes report on Voices of Microfinance Clients in Benin, Pakistan, Peru, and Georgia. Read more
To Speed Financial Inclusion in Latin America… Think Smartphones
Considering the rapid projected growth of smartphone penetration, mobile money services may become obsolete before they even become mainstream. Read more
Video: Mixing Finance With Religion in Pakistan
Thousands of Pakistani households are turning to microfinance institutions that provide loans based on Islamic law, or Sharia. Read more
The Impact Investing Landscape in West Africa
West Africa is the second-fastest growing regional economy in Africa. Yet, its impact investing landscape does not reflect this, according to a recent study published by the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN). Read more
Digitizing Agriculture Value Chains: Building Value for Farmers
While the benefits of digitizing agricultural produce payments seem persuasive, a CGAP case study analysis of Uganda finds that innovations are largely met by resistance from farmers. Read more
Renewable energy job market is booming
While the price of oil is plummeting, the International Renewable Energy Industry (IRENA) estimates that the renewable energy job market is about to grow to 24m jobs worldwide by 2030. Read more
Scholarships for 18th Microcredit Summit available!
The Microcredit Summit Campaign is now accepting scholarship applications to attend the 18th Microcredit Summit between March 15-17 - Deadline: 5 February 2016 Read more
Lessons learned: how to set up a Village Savings and Loan Association
After setting up a successful savings group pilot in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Children in Crisis share tips for other NGOs starting a VSLA Read more
6th European Microfinance Award
The new brochure presenting the 3 finalists of the 6th European Microfinance Award on Microfinance in Post-Disaster, Post-Conflict Areas and Fragile States is now available online. Read about the ceremony which took place during European Microfinance Week and the finalists' award winning initiatives. Read more
Harnessing Tourism for Financial Inclusion
En Via offers tours to indigenous communities, where participants are given the opportunity to meet with local women who are small business owners. En Via uses the money collected in tourism fees to fund small business loans to the women who were visited during the tours. Read more
Release of the Inclusive Finance India Report 2015
With the Goverment of India and Reserve Bank of India taking several bold initiatives for financial inclusion in the country, it is important to analyze the factors that advance or impede India's progress. Read more
11 ways to close the gender gap in financial inclusion
How can NGOs, the private sector and policymakers accelerate women’s economic empowerment? The Guardian panel share their thoughts. Read more
Can microfinance help boost sanitation coverage?
Microfinance for business has had mixed impacts but there is evidence that it could succeed in funding sanitation facilities in developing countries. Read more
2014 Saw $31 Billion in International Funding for Financial Inclusion
Despite challenges like climate change, mass migration and fragile states, funders wordlwide committed $31 billion towards financial inclusion projects in 2014, according to CGAP en MIX. Figures about Dutch investors only soon available on this website! Read more
Financial Inclusion in Myanmar Bolstered by US$4.5 Million Grant from Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund
The Livelihoods and Food Security Trust Fund (LIFT) awarded World Vision Myanmar, in close partnership with World Vision Australia and its MF partner VisionFund Myanmar, a grant of $4.5 million to help approximately 100,000 people gain improved access to financial services. Read more
Innovative Microfinance Boosts Climate Action in Latin America & the Carribean
An award-winning development program in Latin America and the Caribbean is helping companies and households in Latin America access clean energy, increase energy efficiency and adapt to climate change. Read more
Prof. Benno Ndulu appointed as new chairman of the AFI
Prof. Benno Ndulu, governor of the Bank of Tanzania (BoT), has been appointed as the new chairman of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion (AFI), Board effective last month Read more
REPORT: New Trends in Agricultural Finance
Agricultural finance is crucial to support the growth of the agricultural sector. Indeed, it is essential for food security, job creation, and overall economic growth. Read more
CALL FOR PROPOSALS: Education Research and Social Development Projects
Apply now for the Global Development Awards Competition 2016! If you are a researcher from a developing or transition country, or are working for a NGO that has already demonstrated impact, but is looking for ways to scale up - Deadline application: 15 January 2016 Read more
REPORT: Frontier Capital - Early Stage Investing for Financial Returns and Social Impact in Emerging Markets
This report underlines the immense potential of new business models to serve low- to lower-middle-income people in emerging markets, generating both outsized impact and strong financial returns. Read more
How Developing Nations Take The SME Finance Lead
Traditionally, developed nations have brought their experiences and expertise to developing countries; today, however, with fintech players helping underbanked SMEs in developing nations manage their cash flow or apply for financing on a mobile device, these markets are spearheading the future of SME finance. Read more
Lendahand DFT Financieel Product van het Jaar (in Dutch)
Geld lenen daar waar het de meeste impact heeft. Die insteek levert het Rotterdamse crowdfundingplatform Lendahand de eerste prijs op van DFT Financieel Product van het Jaar. Read more
REPORT: ING presents follow-up study of the 2014 'A Billion to Gain?' report on the impact of microfinance in India and Ghana
The 2014 ‘A Billion to Gain?’ report, from NpM and ING, looked into the impact of microfinance on clients in India and Ghana.These findings raised more questions, now addressed by ING in the follow-up study: 'Microfinance clients are not cut from the same cloth'. Read more
Measuring Environmental Performance in Microfinance
What is the role of the microfinance industry in reaching each of these goals? How can the industry integrate the principles of environmental sustainability into its daily operations? How can microfinance become more “green”? Read more
Bill Gates | 2016 will be the year of financial inclusion
Microsoft founder Bill Gates on financial inclusion in India, Aadhaar. Read more
REPORT: Mapping Pathways out of Poverty
Campaign Director Larry Reed spoke at the Inclusive Finance India Summit, featuring the 17th annual survey of the global microfinance industry: Mapping Pathways out of Poverty: The State of the Microcredit Summit Campaign Report, 2015 Read more
BOOK RELEASE: The Crises of Microcredit
The Centre for European Research in Microfinance (CERMi) is proud to announce the release of the book The Crises of Microcredit (London: Zed Books, 2015). Read more
Learn about progress and trends in Financial Inclusion via the 'Inclusion Visualizer'!
The FI2020 Inclusion Visualizer, designed by CFI and and powered by MIX, is a tool intended to manipulate, visualize, and download images of data related to financial inclusion. Read more
REPORT: Results 'Voice of the Client' project in India now available
Results of the 'Voice of the Client' initiative, launched by MIX and Hivos, are now available via a report. This innovative project leverages mobile technologies as a means to analyze the level of satisfaction of clients in India with the products and services offered by financial service providers (FSPs). Read more
All CO2 emissions of NpM Green Inclusive Finance Conference compensated!
The NpM Green Inclusive Finance Conference (22 Sept.) compensated its 14 ton CO2e emissions via investing in one of Fair Climate Fund's carbon projects: an improved cooking technique project in South Africa. Read more
ResponsAbility released Microfinance Market Outlook 2016
Developments, forecasts, trends Read more
Call for Proposals: Cracking the Nut Health
The Cracking the Nut Advisory Committee invites interested persons to submit short, 2-page proposals to present at the Cracking the Nut Health: The Role of Communities in Building Resilient Health Systems conference. Read more
New Global Initiative Launches at COP21 to Boost Green Growth Financing
Multilateral development banks and United Nations partner with the Global Green Growth Institute to help developing and least developed countries finance low-carbon, sustainable, and climate-resilient projects. Read more
The Dai-ichi Life Invests in First Microfinance Bonds Issued by the ERBD for Institutional Investor
The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited has purchased $100 million of Microfinance bonds issued by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), becoming the sole investor in the bond that supports EBRD’s funding to micro or small-sized enterprises. Read more
Speaker Presentations – Global Index Insurance Conference
In September 2015, the Global Index Insurance Facility (GIFF) organised the Global Index Insurance Conference. Read more
Oxfam Novib at the United Nations Conference on Climate Change
From November 30 to December 11 world leaders, interest groups, NGO's and other organisations gather together for a new international agreement on climate change, applicable to all, to keep global warming below 2°C. Read more
Assessing Green Microfinance: MIX and e-MFP publish survey findings drawn from responses of 87 MFIs
This report is the first attempt in the microfinance sector to address the area of green performance monitoring in a comprehensive manner. The survey explores a set of quantitative green microfinance indicators for assessing their ease of use and relevance for decision-making. Read more
Call for proposals: Consultant to support the 7th European Microfinance Award
e-MFP is looking for a consultant to support the 7th European Microfinance Award: “Microfinance and access to education” - Deadline: 10 January, 2016 Read more
CGAP Releases Guidelines for Funders
The guidelines advise funders to adopt a new approach: a Market Systems Approach to Financial Inclusion. Read more
Microinsurance World Map Released
The Microinsurance Network and Munich Re Foundation launched of a new dynamic tool providing data on microinsurance. Read more
UNSGSA's 6th Annual Report (2015) is available!
H.M. Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and UNSGSA for Inclusive Finance for Development, has announced the launch of the 6th Annual Report (2015), including focus points for the road ahead. Read more
6th European Microfinance Award won by Crédit Rural de Guinée
The 6th European Microfinance Award is won by Crédit Rural de Guinée for its Innovative Response to the Ebola Outbreak starting in early in 2014. See also videos of all three finalists! Read more
Opportunity for Innovative SME Finance Initiatives to Bridge the Missing Middle
The DGGF part Investment funds local SMEs, calls for applications regarding the Seed Capital and Business Development (SCBD) facility. Read more
New CGAP Report: Designing Digital Financial Services for Smallholder Families
A new report published by CGAP presents insights in how Digital Finance can work for Smallholders. Digital tools offer great opportunities, but cannot replace personal support. Check the report to learn more! Read more
Launch of iMPACT Booster: a Business Accelerator for more and better food production in emerging economies!
Six companies combined their forces to launch the iMPACT Booster. This business accelerator stimulates (SME) entrepreneurs that focus on more and better food production. Application open until November 30th! Read more
World Economic Forum on how FinTech solutions shape SME financing
World Economic Forum published report on how FinTech solutions are shaping the financing of SMEs. Read more and access the report! Read more
Animated Video about Interest Rates in Microfinance
The NpM Communication working group created animated video on Interest Rates in Microfinance. Watch the video to learn more! Read more
CGAP announces the Winners of the 10th Annual CGAP Photo Contest!
The 2015 CGAP Photo Contest winner is Sujan Sarkar, a primary school teacher from India. His winning photo, called "Paddy Cultivation," was chosen from more than 3,300 entries from 77 countries for its breathtaking composition and immersive quality. Read more
Green Inclusive Finance Conference: Access all materials!
On 22 September, the Green Inclusive Finance Conference took place, organised by NpM, FMO and Hivos. The conference, created the opportunity to (further) enhance the focus on green, environmental impact in the inclusive finance sector. Read more
NpM offers Ministry of Foreign Affairs letter of intent to green the inclusive finance activities
At the Green Inclusive Finance conference today, the NpM members offer Jeroen Roodenburg (Director Sustainable Economic Development, ministry of Foreign Affairs) a letter of intent to green their inclusive finance activities. Read more
YE Community launched at GPFI in Turkey
Tom Osborn (CEO GreenChar, Kenya) launched the YE Community as the ambassador at the Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion G20 Summit (www.GPFI.org) in Turkey last week. Read more
Rural Finance and SME main topics at G20 Inclusive Finance summit in Turkey
In Turkey the Global Initiative for Financial Inclusion provided suggestions for the G20 leaders. Technique and digtization will provide an important role in providing access to people in rural areas. Read more
Finance for Smallholders research: 15 case studies published
15 case studies of financing smallholder farmers in Africa are now available as part of the NpM research report: "Finance for Smallholders - Opportunities for risk management by linking financial institutions and producer organisations”. Read more
UN agency stresses role of partnerships to finance inclusive, sustainable industrial development in Addis Abeba
"The crucial challenge for the global community gathered in Addis Ababa is to address how to finance the achievement of the proposed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)." Read more
Investors Welcome Newly Released World Bank Green Bond Impact Report
New green bond issuances globally more than tripled last year. The first World Bank Green Bond Impact Report responds to investor interest for more clarity on the environmental and social benefits of their investments in this expanding market. Read more
Client Protection: Model Law and NpM/EY Report officially handed over to DG of Central Bank Cambodia
Client protection is an important topic of the SPTF Annual Meeting in Cambodia. Both a Model Law (ACCION/ DLA Piper) and the EY/NpM report have been officially presented to the Director- General of the Central Bank of Cambodia. Read more
New e-MFP Youth Financial Inclusion Action Group publication
The e-MFP Youth Financial Inclusion Action Group's new publication reports on important insights regarding investments made to advance youth financial inclusion. The report includes case studies with a combined outreach of over a half million youth. Read more
Launch: SmartAid Index has new implementation approach
The SmartAid Index is now available as a tool to measure funders’ effectiveness in financial inclusion on a rolling basis. Read more
ICCO Terrafina Microfinance and Rabobank Foundation work on increasing access to Financial Services in rural areas Ethiopia
During a Seminar on SACCOs and Cooperatives in Addis Ababa, ICCO Terrafina Microfinance, Rabobank Foundation and Church of Sweden explain how the project they funded creates access to financial services in the rural Amhara region, Ethiopia. Read more
The Global Findex Database 2014: Measuring Financial Inclusion around the World
The 2014 edition of the Global Financial Inclusion (Global Findex) database reveals that 62 percent of adults worldwide have an account at a bank or another type of financial institution or with a mobile money provider. Read more
SPTF, in partnership with CERISE, announce release of the updated SPI4
SPTF and CERISE detail recent updates to the SPI4 social performance tool Read more
NpM members Cordaid and FMO take 'risk' to invest in fragile states via IFC SME Ventures Fund
P+ reports on how NpM members FMO and Cordaid see chances and opportunities to invest in 'fragile states'. Not only risks. Time now to attract more investors. Read the article here. Read more
ACCION publishes NpM Blog on Client Protection in Microfinance
ACCION approached NpM to write a blog on the research carried out with EY on the current state of law and regulation in microfinance in 12 countries worldwide. Read the article here. Read more
Microfinance is dead. Is it? Why and how metrics matter.
in his two recent e-MFP blog posts, Daniel Rozas reflects on the status and importance of microfinance. A specific type of metrics, says Rozas, is fundamental to close the gap in financial inclusion. Read more
Update on the Dutch Good Growth Fund: First Intended Investments
The consortium of PwC Advisory and Triple Jump that manages the track ‘Local SME Financing’, is preparing its first investments in selected Intermediary Funds (IFs). Read more
Apply for the 2015 Convergences Awards!
Does your project have a high environmental or social impact which involves a partnership with a public or private structure? Apply now to become the next Convergences Awards Laureate. Read more
Ebola: What impact does the outbreak have on microfinance?
The focus of this 30th edition of the Midi de la microfinance was on how Ebola impacts the economies of Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone Read more
How Microfinance develops decent work
An ILO reserach shows how inclusive finance directs small enterprises out of the informal economy and into profit. Read more
Improving Agricultural Microfinance through Risk Mitigation
The following paper by NpM member Cordaid (November 2014) presents 4 categories of risk mitigating measures that MFIs can apply to enhance opportunities for agricultural lending. Read more
Launch of the Responsible Microfinance Facility (RMF)
The RMF is a three-year initiative, launched in January 2015. The purpose of the RMF is to strengthen social performance management (SPM) practices in sub-Saharan African (SSA) and the Middle East and North African (MENA). Read more
Inclusive Finance 2014: Report Highlights
To provide you with a snapshot of past and new developments in the sector, please find here some important reports that have been published in 2014. Read more
Call for Applications: “University Meets Microfinance” (UMM) Scholarship Program
Open to PhD, Master and Bachelor students for field experiences in financial inclusion - Application Deadline: 15 February 2015 Read more
Get certified from Frankfurt School: 4 different courses, incl. Microfinance
Frankfurt School of Finance & Management e-learning programmes help you to systematically and successfully develop your qualifications and to build your career while recognizing the social function of education. Read more
Available: Microfinance Market Outlook 2015 Report
Swiss-based asset manager "responsAbility" has published its 5th Outlook on the Microfinance Market Read more
NpM has moved to another office!
Our new address is: Hamburgerstraat 28A in Utrecht Read more
Save the Date & Give Input for the 18th Microcredit Summit (2015)!
In the fourth quarther, a new Microcredit Summit will take place, this time in the Africa-Middle East Region. Input for potential topics, programmes and speakers is greatly welcomed. Read more
Microcredit Summit Campaign calls for your Institutional Action Plans (IAPs)
The Microcredit Summit Campaign is collecting its 2014 Institutional Action Plam (IAP) forms in preparation for The State of the Microcredit Summit Campaign Report, 2015. Deadline: December 12th, 2014 Read more
CGAP Announces Winners of 2014 Photo Contest depicting Financial Inclusion
On Monday November 17th, CGAP announced the winners of the 2014 CGAP Photo Contest! NpM congratulates the first prize winner Soh Yew Kiat from Malaysia, but also all other 29 artists for their stunning pictures. Read more
Microfinance Good Practices Europe Award 2015
Send in your application for the Microfinance Award with a different focus: Europe (European Union and EFTA countries). Granted by Fondazione Giordano Dell’Amore & European Microfinance Network. Read more
EY and NpM launch Research on Client Protection during the e-MFP European Microfinance Week 2014
Client protection is one of the pressing issues listed high on the agenda of microfinance. EY and NpM launched a report based on their research on law and regulation, to help identify the current state of, and possible gaps in client protection within the microfinance sector. Read more
The e-MFP European Microfinance Week 2014 was a success
Between November 12th and 14th, the e-MFP European Microfinance Week took place, with a wide range of sessions, incl. contributions of NpM and the award ceremony of the 5th European Microfinance Award! Read more
ING and NpM launch report: Dutch Contributions to and Trends in the Microfinance Sector
ING and NpM present the results of the updated data on contributions of the Dutch microfinance sector, showing an increase from €2.1 billion in 2010 to €2.5 billion in 2013. Read more
Preliminary Findings of New CGAP Guide to its Graduation Approach
CGAP asks for feedback and input for its 'Graduation Approach'; a response to address the scale of extreme poverty and its complexity. Read more
Benefits & Challenges of Digital Financial Inclusion
Regulators around the world recognize the potential benefits of financial inclusion powered by digital finance. But with new technology comes new responsibility. Read more
Press Release: Microinsurance Premium reaches over 800 million USD in Latin America and the Caribbean
At the 10th International Microinsurance Conference in Mexico City (Nov. 11-13, 2014), the Microinsurance Network and Munich Re Foundation will present the latest Landscape Study of Microinsurance in Latin America and the Caribbean. Read more
Update on Dutch Good Growth Fund
Triple Jump provides an update of track 2: financing local SMEs through Intermediary Funds, of the Dutch Good Growth Fund (DGGF) that has been commenced in July 2014. Read more
Launch of the 2014 Microfinance Barometer
For the fifth consecutive year, Convergences is publishing the Microfinance Barometer. In partnership with amongst others Oikocredit and e-MFP. Read more
The Green Index, an innovative tool to assess the environmental performance of MFIs
The e-MFP Microfinance and Environment Action Group developed a practical, new tool that also provides a better understanding of what exactly is meant by "environmental performance in microfinance". Read more
Making everyday financial decisions: Do we know what we need to know?
In Uganda, nearly half of surveyed adults were unable to correctly answer a question about interest rates according to a recent Finscope study; a result that points to the urgent need for targeted financial education. Read more
The new book 'Icconomics' and the work of ICCO Investments: An Interview with Marcel Neutel
ICCO published the book "Icconomics", for Dutch managers who aim to implement CSR policy. But ICCO does much more, including stimulating SMEs and local entrepreneurship in developing countries. Read more
"Vertrouw op een vrouw, zij denkt strategisch": One World Interview met ING-bankier Roy Budjhawan (article in Dutch)
Roy Budjhawan, Vice-President ING Microfinance, werd geboren in Suriname als zoon van een ongeschoolde nachtwaker. Nu is hij vice-president Microfinance bij de ING Bank. Read more
CGAP Research Fund Supports Five New Customer Focus Projects
Press Release: CGAP awarded more than $600,000 to support five projects aimed at better understanding and serving the financial needs of poor customers. Read more
World Bank Infographics
A measured approach to ending poverty. Read more
Call for Partners - EU funding - SUDOE region (Portugal Spain South-France)
Micre, a young registered microcredit entity in Portugal, is interested in testing a new model in Europe that combines microcredit in legal tender and local credit networks (clearing circles or barter systems). Read more
Building Rural and Agricultural Infrastructure
Connexus is pleased to announce the Plenary Panel on "Facilitating and Financing Infrastructure." Read more
ING: Dutch Public Support for Development Aid decreases
Overall Dutch public support for development aid has decreased over the years. Nonetheless, local entrepreneurship and microfinance continue to be perceived as important. Read more
Capturing Value from M-Banking
New study by Triple Jump and PHB Development: Analysing costs and benefits of m-banking and identifying improvements to increase impact and shorten pay-back time. Read more
UNSGSA's Annual Report on Financial Inclusion Released!
"A Path to Empowerment and Opportunity" reflects on progresses made and on important political achievements, like the G20's endorsement of a set of financial inclusion indicators. Read more
CGAP's Newly Designed Microfinance Gateway Now Live
CGAP today announced the launch of the newly redesigned Microfinance Gateway website. The new design and enhancements of the Microfinance Gateway make it easier for industry professionals to find and share resources and information. Read more
RIM launches website for microfinance industry
The website will provide a virtual platform where microfinance industry experience and knowledge in risk management can come together in a single location. Read more
The Hidden Tragedy of the Poor: An Interview with Jonathan Morduch
During the NpM One Day University on 5 September, Upsides got the opportunity to interview Jonathan Morduch, co-author of 'Portfolios of the Poor and lecturer of the day'. An interesting read on why "we need to change the way we think about the poor." Read more
Announcing the Finalists for the 5th European Microfinance Award: Microfinance and the Environment
On September 19th, the Second Selection Committee for the 5th European Microfinance Award on Microfinance and the Environment selected the three Finalists who will go on to compete for the €100,000 prize. Read more
The Godfather of Microcredit shares his views and concerns about the sector : An interview with Muhammad Yunus.
During the 17th Microcredit Summit earlier this month, Next Billion had the opportunity to interview Muhammad Yunus - Nobel Laureate and Grameen Bank Founder. Read more
Special issue on Green Microfinance, call for papers
The journal Enterprise Development & Microfinance (EDM) is going to publish a special issue on green microfinance. Academics, students, MFIs, Investors, social audits, etc. are welcome. Read more
Explore 'A Billion to Gain?': Find all the conference materials here
What was the 'A Billion to Gain?' conference 2014 all about? Here you will find a complete overview of the speeches, presentations, videos and reports. Read more
CGAP photo contest - submit your pictures before 15 October!
The 2014 CGAP Photo Contest is open for entries. Use your imagination to capture the diversity and dynamics of microfinance and financial inclusion from all over the world. Submit your entries before 15 October 2014! Read more
‘A Billion to Gain?’ 2014: An inspirational conference - Shaping directions for the future
On 3 September 2014, the ‘A Billion to Gain?’ conference, organised by NpM and ING, took place aimed at the inclusive finance sector as a whole to exchange ideas and pave the way for the future of the sector. Read more
Join ‘A Billion to Gain?’ 2014 from a distance: Livestream available!
Only five days left and our annual event: A Billion to Gain? 2014 takes place! On 3 September 2014 NpM, in cooperation with ING, organises this all-day event for a variety of people and organisations in the field of inclusive finance. Read more
The challenges of digital finance
MICROFINANCE FOCUS reports on the main challenges for digital finance in unbanked populations, as identified during the Asia Microfinance Forum 2014 (Shanghai). Read more
Want to present at Cracking the Nut 2015?
Do you know an innovator in the field of rural and agricultural markets and do you want to showcase your approach at CtN? Apply before 5 September 2014! Read more
Register for 'One Day University NpM' with prof. Morduch and Daniel Rozas on 5 September 2014, Utrecht
The day will focus on: The financial lives of the poor - Uncovering subsidy - Overindebtedness and - Savings. Register at info@inclusivefinanceplatform.nl Read more
e-MFP is looking for a consultant to assist the Youth Financial Inclusion Action Group
e-MFP is looking for a consultant to assist the Youth Financial Inclusion Action Group in the preparation of a publication entitled... Read more
IMF Director Lagarde: 'financial inclusion as a collective responsibility
At the International Forum for Financial Inclusion, Christine Lagarde shared her perspectives on financial inclusion and how to promote it, as well as the nexus between financial inclusion and broader financial stability. Read more
CGAP Photo Contest is open for entries!
The 2014 CGAP Photo Contest is open for entries. Deadline is October 8, 2014, Use your imagination to capture the diversity and dynamicsof microfinance and financial inclusion all over the world Read more
Latest update: NpM conference on 3 September 2014
On 3 September 2014 NpM, in cooperation with ING, will organise its annual event: A Billion to Gain? 2014 at EYE, Amsterdam. Read more
Investor and Funder Guide to the Agricultural Social Lending Sector
A briefing from the Initiative for Smallholder Finance draws on a groundbreaking aggregate analysis of leading social lenders’ lending portfolios and metrics. Read more
Serving Smallholder Farmers: Recent Developments in Digital Finance
This Focus Note introduces some recent developments in digital financial services for smallholder farmers. Read more
Submit Proposals for Cracking the Nut 2015!
Cracking the Nut invites interested persons to submit proposals to present at the Cracking the Nut 2015 conference. Read more
CGAP calls for proposals; Human-Centered Design and Smallholder Finance
CGAP invites proposals from branchless banking service providers interested in partnering with them to use human-centered design to develop innovative digital financial services for underserved smallholder farmers in developing countries. Read more
3 September 2014: NpM - ING Conference 'A Billion to Gain?'
NpM and ING will host the conference 'A Billion to Gain?' at EYE in Amsterdam. During the event guests will be inspired to envision the future of the inclusive finance sector. Interested in joining the event? Read more
NpM in 2013. What did we do?
NpM is proud to present its first annual report. Read more about our activities in 2013 focusing on; Coordination and Representation; Knowledge Management and; Awareness and Communication. Read more
13 days left to apply for the 5th European Microfinance Award!
The 5th European Microfinance on Microfinance and the Environment will be presented on 13th November 2014. Apply now! Read more
Digital Finance "Plus": digital finance innovations as a means
Through Digital Finance Plus, CGAP has identified 55 services that are using mobile payments to reach their customers. Find a video on these innnovative ideas here: Read more
Video sneak peek of research 'A Billion to Gain?' 2014
In the video the people behind the ING-NpM research paper 'A Billion to Gain?' 2014 offer you a sneak peek of the preliminary results and discussion at the editorial board meeting. Read more
Impact of Financial Inclusion & Microfinance; New evidence
CGAP has published a focus note on recent evidence showing the impact of financial inclusion. Currently also ING, together with NpM and its members, is carrying out a research on the social impact of microfinance. Read more
The promise of microfinance and women’s empowerment
How has microfinance evolved over the years and what is the role of women in microfinance. These two topics are brought to light in the paper “The promise of microfinance and women’s empowerment’’. Read more
A Billion to Gain? 2014 - The Research
ING and NpM present the launch of A Billion to Gain? 2014. This research will focus on the impact of microfinance on the household. Read more
An exploration of responsible exits in microfinance equity sales. A new CGAP/CFI report
With the maturing of the microfinance industry, the question arises amongst social investors how they should "exit reponsibly" from the microfinance institutions in which they invested for years. Read more
The report 'Remittances Market in The Netherlands' by MoFA is out now!
This report was initiated and partly financed by the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs. One of the objectives was to find ways in which costs of money transfers could be reduced. Read more
A new report on SME Finance in Asia and a Gender Tool Kit by the ADB
Find here the new Gender Tool Kit and SME Finance Monitor of the Asian Development Bank. Read more
Scholarships for student field missions in developing countries
The UMM Scholarships Program offers scholarships to support student field experiences on topics related to financial inclusion. Apply before 15 April 2014! Read more
Better processes, tailored products and the right people are key in successful agri-lending
Agrifin, the Agriculture Finance Support Facility, has published videos featuring 17 financial institutions that share their lessons on the three keys of success to agricultural lending; Processes, Products and People. Read more
H.M Queen Máxima on going forward in graduation from extreme poverty: 'Savings, Scale, Stakeholders'
At the Reaching the Poorest Global Learning Event 2014, H.M. Queen Máxima addressed the participants in a video meassage emphasizing the importance of taking a holistic approach to getting people out of poverty. She focussed on three key areas in inclusive finance for poverty graduation: Savings, Scale, Stakeholders. Read more
Call for Proposals for 2014 event Convergences: respond online before 5 March
Convergences World Forum invites you to be involved in the designing of its 7th event in September 2014. 20 session are open for your proposals. Respond online before 5 March 2014. Read more
European Green Microfinance; a Young but Promising Sector
A recent study carried out by the European Microfinance Network (EMN) shows that European green microfinance is a young but promising sector. Initiatives associated with environmental protection have been provided by app. 25% of the institutions in Europe. The main challenges are lack of funding, inadequate human capital and low client interest. These can be mitigated by partnerships with specialized institutions and trainings for employees. Read more