InSight #27: Accelerating Financial Inclusion through Innovative Channels: 10 Obstacles for MFIs Launching Alternative Channels—and What Can Be Done
By Amitabh Saxena

Rarely a day goes by without someone mentioning how financial inclusion can be boosted by new delivery channels. But MFI activity in this area is conspicuously absent. Or is it? This paper outlines ten challenges that are holding MFIs back from deploying alternative channels and provides a roadmap for MFIs — and broader stakeholders — who seek to overcome these hurdles.
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Aligning Interests: Addressing Management and Stakeholder Incentives During Microfinance Institution Transformations
By Brian Busch, Ira W. Lieberman, Elisabeth Rhyne, and Stephanie Dolan

There are numerous examples of transforming microfinance institutions in which the alignment or misalignment between the personal interests of key decision makers and the long-term interests of the institution affected the ultimate outcome and future of the organization. In this paper, the focus on aligning interests speaks to the human elements at play during the decision making about the future of transforming MFIs.
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Microfinance for Bankers and Investors
Understanding the Opportunities and Challenges of the Market at the Bottom of the Pyramid
By Elisabeth Rhyne - Forthcoming, June 2009

Pre-order your copy today!

The microfinance industry has become a model of responsible finance that remains resilient and growing amidst a steep economic down-turn. The growth and increasing purchasing power of the vast global market of low-income people is attracting private sector attention across sectors. In finance, the success of the microfinance movement shows the business viability of financial services for the poor.

In her book, Elisabeth Rhyne demonstrates that providing financial services to the poor is a viable business prospect that allows investors to be socially AND financially responsible. Microfinance for Bankers & Investors provides the readers with a road map showing where and how businesses can invest in greater financial inclusion, guided by the stories of companies already leading the way.

This project is about encouraging private businesses to engage in financial inclusion. The project was conceived by the private sector members of the UN Advisors on Financial Inclusion, a high-level body formed to continue the work of the United Nations International Year of Microcredit (2005), and financed by Visa, Inc.

> Click here to read an excerpt of the book.