Lauren Braniff

Lauren Braniff worked as a consultant with CGAP on the Digital Finance + Initiative. Previously, Lauren Braniff served as Managing Editor of the Microfinance Gateway from 2011-2014 where she led content strategy for the Gateway sites and created the forthcoming Gateway Academy, an online learning platform for financial inclusion professionals. Prior to joining the Gateway, she spent five years with CGAP’s Technology Program where she conducted research, led branchless banking projects, and managed the Information Systems Program. Prior to joining CGAP, Lauren held positions at a microfinance institution in Cambodia, as a microenterprise development consultant, and as a researcher for an education nonprofit.

Lauren holds a master’s degree in international development from SAIS at Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in international political economy from the University of California, Berkeley.

By Lauren Braniff

Blog

Bringing Health Microinsurance to Kenyans via Mobile Phone

Bundling microinsurance with other mobile financial products is making health insurance more affordable and useful for low-income patients in Kenya.
Research

Digital Finance for the Real Economy: Education

Education is a powerful tool to combat poverty. This slidedeck describes how digital finance can remove systemic barriers to high-quality global education in at least three ways.
Blog

A Digital Finance Prescription for Universal Health Coverage

Digital finance is just beginning to realize its potential in the health care sector. Take a look at some early examples of how digital financial services are contributing to the goal of universal health coverage.
Blog

Youth Building Peace: What’s the Role of Financial Inclusion?

What does financial inclusion have to do with building peaceful societies? More than you might think.
Blog

Schools in Africa Aren’t Taking Advantage of Mobile Money – Why?

Mobile money can make paying school fees easier and cheaper, so why aren't more schools adopting it? Part of the solution could involve a simple app for inexpensive smartphones and tablets.