-
Inclusive Innovation: How Two Mobile Technology Startups are Changing the Game in Microfinance
Securing a bank loan is an onerous task for anyone. But for the 2.5 billion unbanked people worldwide, the obstacles can seem insurmountable. And microfinance and village savings groups both have significant limitations, particularly for people without a credit history. June Sugiyama of Vodafone Americas Foundation explains how two winners of the foundation's annual Wireless Innovation Project competition are overcoming these limitations through mobile technology.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
-
The Superplatforms are Coming … And They Will Transform Financial Inclusion
With their big brands, big budgets and big data, superplatforms like Google, Amazon, Facebook and Alibaba already know more about most banks’ customers than the banks themselves. As these internet giants make increasing inroads into financial services, what are the implications for low-income customers – and their existing providers? David Porteous of BFA and Olga Morawcynski of MasterCard Foundation explore how these platforms are reshaping the face of financial inclusion around the world.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Tags
- data, financial inclusion, fintech
-
As Money Moves Offshore, New Questions About How Foundations Invest Their Assets
Throughout philanthropy’s history, it’s drawn intermittent waves of intense criticism, and it certainly feels like we’re heading into one now. Outrage over wealth accumulation, an unbridled tech industry, money in politics and more is inspiring healthy scrutiny from many directions (including us).
- Tags
- philanthropy, research
-
Perspective: Safaricom ‘stifles’ other telco players, no level playing field
Heated debate over a controversial telecoms report commissioned by the Communications Authority on market dominance was one of the key highlights of Kenya's telco industry this year. The detailed study, carried out by London firm Analysys Mason had some policy recommending that market leader Safaricom share its infrastructure with rivals.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
-
The Age of Crypto-Giving: Why Cryptocurrency Will Become an Important Driver of Nonprofit Donations
In the U.S. alone, total charitable donations rose to a new high of $410 billion in 2017. Meanwhile, there are now more than 1,600 unique cryptocurrency tokens or coins spread across the world, with an aggregate value of over $100 billion dollars. According to Engiven CEO James Lawrence, the alignment of charitable giving with emerging cryptocurrency technologies represents "one of the most important fundraising opportunities for nonprofit growth since the adoption of electronic giving." He explains why in this thought-provoking post.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology
-
UK Teams With IFC To Mobilize $2 Billion In Green Construction Financing
“Green buildings represent a powerful opportunity to address climate change in emerging markets,” said Hans Peter Lankes, IFC’s Vice President for Economics and Private Sector Development. “Investments in green buildings certified with EDGE and other standards could represent a $3.4 trillion opportunity over the next decade. Blended finance is a valuable tool to help create new markets for green construction by mobilizing private capital through financial intermediaries.”
- Categories
- Environment, Finance
-
As regulators turn sights on fintech, a Nigerian startup is first to secure credit rating
Indeed, payment startups facilitating online transactions in key African economies are increasingly getting validation with global payment giants including Mastercard, Stripe and Visa paying closer attention and investing in Nigerian fintech companies.
- Categories
- Finance
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- fintech, mobile finance, startups
-
Kenyan Government Plans Interoperable Mobile Money Wallet Amid M-Pesa Crisis
“It is becoming clearer that interoperability of mobile money will have to be seamless,” said CA Director-General Francis Wangusi in an interview with The Standard.
- Categories
- Finance, Technology, Telecommunications
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
Subscribe to Our 'Business in Global Development' Newsletter!
Our new weekly LinkedIn newsletter features NextBillion's latest original articles, along with curated news, jobs, bizdev opportunities and events from our recent coverage of impact-focused business in emerging markets.
We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.
Don't miss out. Subscribe today.