Research & Analysis

Digital Finance Interoperability & Financial Inclusion

Interoperability—the ability for different systems to connect with one another—is attracting a lot of attention among digital finance experts. This Working Paper presents findings from a 20-country scan conducted in 2016 to assess the state of interoperability in select markets around the world.

Financial Inclusion for the Rural Poor Using Agent Networks in Peru

This working paper explores how installing branchless banking agents and implementing financial trust workshops in Peru impacts JUNTOS users’ attitudes towards the formal financial system and, in turn, their savings behavior within it.

When is Microcredit Unsuitable?

Rapid expansion in the microfinance sector has been credited with advancing financial inclusion in India. This paper addresses what might constitute a loan mis-sale and seeks to inform the use of suitability guidelines for lending to low-income households by microfinance institutions, self-help groups, and various banks.

Interactive Data on International Funding for Financial Inclusion in 2015

This year’s Survey reports data from 54 funders who account for 74% of this year’s global estimate of total international funding for financial inclusion. It outlines financial instruments used, purpose of funding, type of funding, geographic allocation and more.

Digital Finance and Interoperability: 20 Country Scan

Taking Stock: Recent Trends in International Funding in 2015

This Brief highlights findings from CGAP’s annual Cross-Border Funder Survey. New commitments in 2015 increased total funding for financial inclusion to $34 billion. Between 2013 and 2015, about one-third of funders decreased their portfolios, while the remainder maintained or increased their commitments.

Eliminating Extreme Poverty

Continued reduction of extreme poverty will require targeted interventions to help the poorest increase their standard of living. Effective social protection programs are critical to this effort. Livelihood development programs, lump-sum cash transfers, and graduation programs have the potential to help the very poor increase incomes to move out of extreme poverty.

Graduation Pathways

The graduation approach is expected to grow in scale and influence, with strong demand from governments to create nationally scaled programs.

Digital Rails: How Providers Can Unlock Innovation in DFS Ecosystems Through Open APIs

OXXO's Saldazo: Successes and Challenges