Chuck Waterfield

A Quick Journey Through the History of Usury

Microfinance is at a critical juncture, and as we reflect on how we got here, should ask: What makes us different from what was previously done through the ages, since coins were first established as a medium of exchange? And how do we maintain what’s different and avoid slipping into the well-worn paths that emerge when we examine the history of usury?

Making Microfinance Prices More Transparent

The problem of keeping your price transparent is obvious — it’s difficult to show a true price that looks higher than the competition when, in fact, it is lower than that charged by others.

Has the Microfinance Market Come of Age?

Compartamos and SKS. What do these two have in common? Where do they differ? What lessons, if any, can we draw from studying these first two, historic events?