CGAP logo

Our Approach

“CGAP's policy work focuses on building favorable policy and regulatory frameworks for financial service providers serving the billions of poor people worldwide who lack access to safe, appropriate and affordable financial services.” Tim Lyman, Team Leader, Government and Policy.
Enabling Policy Frameworks
Areas of Expertise
How We Work

Publications

Guiding Principles on Regulation and Supervision of Microfinance
Regulating Transformational Branchless Banking
Transforming NGO MFIs
Banking Through Networks of Retail Agents
The Early Experience with Branchless Banking
Protecting Microfinance Borrowers
The Role of Governments in Microfinance
Use of Agents in Branchless Banking for the Poor
Competition and Microcredit Interest Rates
Financial Inclusion 2015

PhotoCredit:Rohanna Mertens

Breaking out of Branches: Continuing evolution of the Mexican banking sector

In 2008, Mexico joined a group of countries that permit and regulate branchless banking. However, a debate over regulatory details could temper outreach to clients.

More >

Law Library

Increasingly, banking regulators and supervisors, MFIs, national microfinance networks, and other stakeholders are seeking to understand the optimal mix of regulation and supervision for microfinance. The Law Library addresses that need by disseminating information on world-wide experiences in regulating and supervising microfinance.

Policy Developments From Around The World

PHILIPPINES: BSP tightens rules on e-money
KENYA: New Push for Policy Guidelines on Branchless Banking
SUDAN: Bank of Issues Directives for Microfinance

Regulating Branchless Banking

Branchless banking uses retail agents and new technologies (such as mobile phones) to provide financial services to the unbanked and underserved in a cost-effective manner.
Branchless Banking Policy

Consumer Protection

As the range of financial products and service providers grows, the challenge will be to ensure that clients can make informed choices, products are designed to work for both the user and the provider, and mutual rights and obligations are understood and respected.
Consumer Protection Resources

Regulation & Supervision

Many developing countries and countries with transitional economies are considering whether and how to regulate microfinance. Experts do not agree on all points but there is a surprisingly wide area of consensus.
Regulation & Supervision Consensus Guidelines

Role of Government

Governments can play different roles in answering the needs of poor underserved clients. Known as the “3 Ps”, these roles include provider of financial services; promoter of improved financial service access and quality; and protector of financial consumers.
Role of Government
© 2009 CGAP: Consultative Group to Assist the Poor. All Rights Reserved | Contact Us | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Site Map