Blog

The FinDev Gateway Blog features interviews and blog posts from financial inclusion practitioners around the world. In this community space, we share lessons learned, new ideas, and upcoming research from the field.

Who Bears the Risk in Fintech?

By Beni Chugh, Dvara Research
November 2019
Holding a phone, India. Photo by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash.

The excitement around fintech in India is palpable. Many see it as a market-led solution to the policy objective of financial inclusion. Fintech regulation must therefore be designed carefully to prevent and mitigate risks while also preserving the potential for financial inclusion. 

Primary school in Tanzania. Photo by Mohammed Hammie, 2018 CGAP Photo Contest.
Blog

What Can Edufinance Learn From Microfinance?

Recent excitement over the investment potential of edufinance will remind long-time impact investors of similar growth predictions for microfinance not too long ago. Taking advantage of the huge pool of hard–won experience built by the microfinance sector over 30-plus years can help the edufinance sector avoid missteps and greatly accelerate its growth and success.
By Amit Brar
October 2019
Sorghum farmer in Kenya. Photo by Stephen Ouma, 2018 CGAP Photo Contest.
Interview

Speaking the Common Language of the SDGs

Jean-Marc Debricon of Alterfin discusses impact investing in rural Africa as the region prepares for African Microfinance Week. Held in Burkina Faso from 21 to 25 October 2019, this major regional conference provides a unified African platform for discussion of microfinance issues. ​
By FinDev Gateway
October 2019

MOST READ

Train in Bangladesh. Photo by Sohel Parvez Haque, 2017 CGAP Photo Contest.
Blog

Gateway Guide to Digital Transformation of Microfinance Institutions

Should all financial service providers climb on the digital bandwagon to stay relevant? In this Gateway Guide, we share our main take-aways from the latest research and practical lessons across the sector.
By Gayane Manukyan
October 2019
Digital financial services client. Photo credit: Accion
Blog

Consumer Protection in a Digital Age

The Smart Campaign's new standards and guidance for digital finance mark a profound shift for the sector - from a previous focus on staff behavior towards clients, to the increasing importance of product design and delivery, as well as data protection.
By Elisabeth Rhyne
July 2019
A small manufacturer of silk thread wraps, Turkey. Photo by Bulent Suberk, 2016 CGAP Photo Contest.
Blog

What Would People Say?

Women entrepreneurs or those taking on a new career path in Turkey often hear this phrase from society, discouraging them from taking on less traditional roles. But now organizations in the country are working to unpack and overcome the insidious effects of gender-based social norms on women’s financial health.
By Sarah Willis & Yasmin Bin-Humam
September 2019
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Holding a phone, India. Photo by Ibrahim Rifath on Unsplash.
Blog

Who Bears the Risk in Fintech?

The excitement around fintech in India is palpable. Many see it as a market-led solution to the policy objective of financial inclusion. Fintech regulation must therefore be designed carefully to prevent and mitigate risks while also preserving the potential for financial inclusion.
By Beni Chugh
November 2019
ATLAS Data Platform
Blog

More Data for a More Accountable Financial Inclusion Industry

A look at a new initiative to consolidate data on pricing, client protection, and social and financial performance
By Lucia Spaggiari
November 2019
Savings lock box, Uganda. Photo by Allison Shelley for CGAP.
Blog

Unlocking Capital in Financial Services for the Poor

While the financial inclusion sector has changed drastically over the last twenty years, a familiar challenge has returned: information asymmetry. So MIX’s strategic shifts to refocus on data initiatives in fintech, digital and agricultural finance - and other frontier sectors to come - are a welcome development for the entire financial inclusion community.
By Mayada El-Zoghbi & Henry Gonzalez
October 2019
Farmer in Njombe, Tanzania. Photo by Dorcas Tinga, One Acre Fund.
Blog

Three Solutions for Delivering Insurance to Smallholder Farmers

Leading microinsurance providers discuss how to solve issues with distribution, the multitude of risks farmers face and uptake.
By Céline Fillet, with the contribution of Propagate Coalition members
October 2019
Sorghum farmer in Kenya. Photo by Stephen Ouma, 2018 CGAP Photo Contest.
Interview

Speaking the Common Language of the SDGs

Jean-Marc Debricon of Alterfin discusses impact investing in rural Africa as the region prepares for African Microfinance Week. Held in Burkina Faso from 21 to 25 October 2019, this major regional conference provides a unified African platform for discussion of microfinance issues. ​
By FinDev Gateway
October 2019
African Microfinance Week
Interview

Youth, Digitization and the Climate Are Our Priorities for the Future

Laura Foschi, head of ADA, talks about the focus of this year’s African Microfinance Week and how ADA views impact and partnerships.
By FinDev Gateway
October 2019