All Publications
An Introduction to the Small Firm Diaries
The Small Firm Diaries is a global research initiative to better understand small firms in low-income neighborhoods of developing countries, especially the barriers to growth such firms face, through high frequency quantitative and qualitative data collection (“financial diaries”).
Scaling Parametric Insurance in Pacific Small Island Developing States Through Meso- Level Solutions
This publication focuses on promoting meso-level insurance products designed for development banks, microfinance institutions, provident/pension funds, associations, and cooperatives through the UNCDF-led Pacific Insurance and Climate Adaptation Programme.
The Promises of Digital Bank Accounts for Low-Income Individuals
This study tests the extent to which the promises of digital modes of payment, increased efficiency of transactions, increased financial inclusion, and improvements in the financial well-being of low-income individuals, are fulfilled.
Solidarity in Saving: Listening to Women's Needs During Crises
Based on 3,822 (majority women) VSLA member interviews, this brief represents quantitative data from Burundi, Colombia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ethiopia, Mali, Niger, and Vietnam.
Demand and Supply Study Report on Climate and Disaster Risk Financing and Insurance in Papua New Guinea
This report examines challenges associated with access to affordable and suitable insurance for low- and moderate-income communities, risks, and coping mechanisms and identifies unaddressed issues.
A Technical Guide to Unlock Agent Networks at the Last Mile
This guide outlines five key actions for digital financial service providers, regulators, and funders to expand rural Cash-In and Cash-Out agent networks based on CGAP's global experience.
Women Agents for Financial Inclusion: Exploring the Benefits, Constraints, and Potential Solutions
This working paper explores the benefits of having more women agents, the challenges they face, and potential solutions to promote their participation in the DFS ecosystem.
Child Labor, Rainfall Shocks, and Financial Inclusion: Evidence From Rural Households
This paper explores how rural Colombian households respond to rainfall shocks by shifting children's time from school to domestic activities, with the impact on education mitigated or exacerbated by financial inclusion measures.
The Social Frontier of Financial Inclusion
This episode features Women’s Micro Bank, a women-owned bank in Papua New Guinea that pushed geographical and technological boundaries in its attempts to expand women’s access to banking services.
Colombia's Ingreso Solidario: Improving Social Protection Through Public-Private Collaboration and Responsible Digital Payment Practices as Part of COVID-19 Emergency Response
This case study illustrates how designing programs responsibly can result in greater trust in digital financial services, leading to greater volumes of digital transactions, and increased use of digital savings and e-commerce services.