-
The Problem of Mandatory Formalization in Financial Inclusion
An opened bank account in and of itself means very little, and a sitting balance in a bank account is literally a waste of money. What does have meaning is what accumulated savings let a consumer buy or borrow at a lower cost at the right time, without having to beg, borrow (at high cost) or steal. And when that asset grows in a meaningful way, then we have something to write home about: development and wealth accumulation in action.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
Watch Video of the Live Debate: ‘Digital finance: Full inclusion or empty promise?’
This year's European Microfinance Week concluded with a heated debate on the impact of fintech in microfinance: "Digital finance: Full inclusion or empty promise?" NextBillion live-streamed the discussion, and you can view the recorded video in this post.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
Register Now for the Global Impact Investing Network Investor Forum 2016
Next month in Amsterdam more than 500 of the best thinkers and biggest investment movers are expected to convene for two days of intense learning, dialogue and interaction during the Global Impact Investing Network's Investor Forum. NextBillion is serving as a media partner for the event and our readers can save 10 percent using a special discount code.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
Viewpoint: How The Trump Administration Will Affect Nonprofits, Social Entrepreneurs
There has been an unusual amount of handwringing over the outcome of the presidential election, including protests that have turned violent in some cities. I wanted to know how President-Elect Trump will impact social entrepreneurs and nonprofits.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
- Region
- North America
- Tags
- philanthropy
-
To save its currency, Nigeria’s central bank wants people jailed for holding on to US dollars
Nigeria has tried a range of strategies to stem a trouble currency slide as well as manage its mounting economic crisis. The latest strategy could see it jail its own citizens.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
- Region
- Sub-Saharan Africa
- Tags
- regulations
-
Accion Venture Lab Completes First Successful Exit in India-Based Lender Varthana, Generating Financial and Social Returns
Accion Venture Lab, the seed-stage investment vehicle of financial inclusion leader Accion, announced today that it has successfully exited an investment for the first time. Venture Lab has sold its stake in Varthana, a company providing specialized loans and support to affordable private schools in India, promoting access to and the quality of education for India's poor and emerging middle class.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
- Region
- South Asia
-
‘Inclusion is Not an End in Itself’: Takeaways from MasterCard Foundation’s Symposium on Financial Inclusion
Financial services providers need a mind-shift, says MasterCard Foundation's Ann Miles: They should not only focus on increasing uptake of a new product or service, but on the lifetime value these offerings have for customers. Their goal should be not just to increase access to formal financial products and services, but to help end-users integrate these new tools into their daily lives.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
-
Demonetization Seems Like Deflation for Many People in India; Danger Signal for PM Modi
Narendra Modi talked emotionally about his commitment to eliminating black money yesterday (13 November) and sought 50 days to fix the cash crisis created by the demonetisation of Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 notes. Actually, he has far less time than that as the ordinary citizen’s patience is wearing thin after hours of standing in the sun before bank branches or ATMs. Modi has a potential PR disaster and political setback to reckon with.
- Categories
- Uncategorized
- Region
- South Asia
Subscribe to Our Weekly Newsletter, "NextBillion Notes"
Published each Wednesday, our e-newsletter features NextBillion's latest original articles, along with a selection of news, jobs, bizdev opportunities and events from our recent coverage — and regular conference ticket giveaways.
We respect your privacy. Your information is safe and will never be shared.
Don't miss out. Subscribe today.