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About Microfinance

Microfinance offers poor people access to basic financial services such as loans, savings, money transfer services and microinsurance. People living in poverty, like everyone else, need a diverse range of financial services to run their businesses, build assets, smooth consumption, and manage risks. More

Do you have additional microfinance industry questions? Ask the Expert
Learn more: Skills for MF Managers Courses

Financial Crisis Resources

Latest Analysis
In-depth analysis on the financial crisis from CGAP experts.

Additional Resources
CGAP Microfinance Blog: Financial Crisis
Impact and Implications of the Food Crisis on Microfinance
More on the Financial Crisis

Market Intelligence

Market intelligence provides data, research, and analysis on access to savings and key issues in the microfinance sector.

Latest Analysis and Insights
From blog posts to in-depth reports from CGAP experts, drawing upon data from a wide range of sources.

Market Data and Tools
Key data and research from across the microfinance sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Microfinance?: Microfinance offers poor people access to basic financial services.

Who Are the Clients of Microfinance?: Microfinance clients are a diverse group of people.

How Do Financial Services Help the Poor?: People living in poverty need a range of financial services to help manage their financial lives.

What Is a Microfinance Institution (MFI)?: Microfinance institutions provide financial services to people who are not served by conventional banking.

Is There a Trade-off Between Profitability and Reaching Poorer Clients?: Microfinance can be profitable. But that doesn't mean it's profitable in all contexts.

Why Do MFIs Charge High Interest Rates?: The costs involved in administering small loans are higher than for normal bank lending.

Aren't Poor People too Poor to Save?: Poor people save because they must.

When Is Microcredit Not the Answer?: Many poor people can benefit from a microloan. But not everyone wants credit.

How Do I Find Accepted Terminology for Microfinance?: Click here to access our microfinance glossaries.

What Is the Role of Regulation and Supervision in Microfinance?: Banks are regulated to protect their depositors and to prevent risks to the financial system.

What Is the Government's Role in Microfinance?: Governments play a complex role in microfinance.

Does Microfinance Help Poor People?: Dozens of studies have looked at the experience of people who have received microloans. But what do we know today about the impact of microfinance?