Jennifer Isern

Dr. Jennifer Isern, CFA, brings 30+ years of experience in development in more than 70 countries. She launched Catalyze Global Impact LLC to promote investing and technical assistance to leverage financial and private sector solutions that improve quality of life for people globally. On the board of CIDR Pamiga since 2007, she is currently the board's vice chair with special focus on strategy, the HR committee, and support to CIDR Pamiga's digital platform for agricultural value chains.

Previously, Dr. Isern served 23 years in multiple roles in the the World Bank Group, including seven years as senior manager in South Asia based in Delhi and three years as senior manager in East Asia and the Pacific based in Hanoi for the financial sector and private sector departments of the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and the World Bank. In addition, she served 13 years with CGAP, a global partnership on financial inclusion housed within the World Bank Group, as lead microfinance specialist managing operations across Africa and China and leading several global initiatives including fintech and payments, anti-money laundering, and funding and capacity building for financial institutions. Prior to joining CGAP, she served as the regional technical adviser for economic development in West and Central Africa with CARE International, where she founded and managed several financial service providers while living in Niger (1990-91), and Togo (1992-1996). From 1988-1992, Dr. Isern consulted with public and private sector clients including USAID in Costa Rica and Senegal, UNDP in New York, and AT&T’s international division.

A CFA charterholder, Dr. Isern has authored more than 50 publications on financial sector development and broader development issues. In addition to her work through Catalyze Global Impact LLC, she serves as board member and advisor to foundations, investment funds, and associations in Europe and the USA.

By Jennifer Isern

Research

Sustainability of Self-Help Groups in India: Two Analyses

This Occasional Paper reports on two separate studies of SHG programs. Part I looks primarily at the financial viability of SHG programs. Part II proposes a methodology for designing SHG programs to ensure their sustainability.
Research

Format for Appraisal of Network Support Organizations

The format described in this Technical Guide is designed to gather information about and assess network support organizations for both comprehensive appraisals and "mini" evaluations.
Research

Appraisal Guide for Microfinance Institutions: Resource Guide

The Resource Guide is a companion piece to Appraisal Guide for Microfinance Institutions. The Appraisal Format consists of detailed instructions and Excel spreadsheets to guide an experienced microfinance analyst through a qualitative, institutional evaluation of a relatively mature MFI.
Research

AML/CFT Regulations: Balancing Security with Access

This Brief addresses anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism as it relates to microfinance.
Research

AML/CFT Regulation

Across the world, new measures are being introduced to combat money laundering and the financing of terrorism. All financial service providers, including those working with low-income communities, are—or will be—affected by these measures. This paper summarizes the implications of the international framework for anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) for financial service providers working with low-income people.