Swati Sawhney

Senior Financial Sector Specialist

Swati Sawhney has been with CGAP since 2021, based in London. She is currently engaged with CGAP’s work on micro and small enterprise (MSE) finance in the digital age. Swati has worked extensively in the field of access to finance, with global experience across the US, UK, Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe. She was a senior financial sector specialist with the IFC / WBG Finance and Markets Global Practice in South Asia, where she was responsible for leading the development of enabling Financial Infrastructure programs for the South Asia region and MSME financial inclusion work in India. Prior to her work with the IFC, she was a Manager with Ernst & Young’s Business Advisory Services in the UK, where she worked with several private and public sector clients on large change management programs. She has also worked for several years on MSME finance for DAI Europe, with a focus on EBRD programs across Eastern Europe. Prior to that she has experience at Citigroup in the UK, and the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, D.C. Swati holds a Masters in International Strategy and Diplomacy from the London School of Economics, and an earlier Masters in International and Development Economics from Yale University.

By Swati Sawhney

Blog

Women’s Financial Empowerment at the Heart of a Developed India

As India charts its course toward Viksit Bharat 2047, it will need a financial system that not only includes women but also strengthens their economic power by giving them control over money, decisions, and assets at every life stage.
Research

From Safety Net to Springboard

As climate risks intensify, there is an urgent need to better support low-income communities to adapt and build resilience. This paper highlights an untapped opportunity hiding in plain sight - integrating financial services into social protection programs – and outlines five priorities for funders, policymakers, and social protection professionals to unlock its potential.
Research

Inclusive Insurance: Scaling for Resilience and Impact

Insurance builds resilience by helping people manage shocks and invest confidently in their futures. Yet, inclusive insurance remains small-scale due to barriers in demand, supply, and policy. This deck explores challenges and opportunities—showing how funders can unlock insurance’s full potential as a catalyst for stability, security, and economic growth.
Research

Big Futures for the Smallest Firms: Finance That Works for Nano, Micro and Small Enterprises

Nano, micro, and small enterprises, particularly nano enterprises and those led by women, encounter substantial financial obstacles. Our latest research underscores the necessity for tailored financial solutions and hybrid approaches to enhance financial inclusion for the smallest firms, enabling them to grow and thrive.
Research

Diverse Paths: Finance for Women’s Nano and Micro Enterprises

Women-led nano and micro enterprises (WNMEs) are vital for providing livelihoods, boosting communities, and driving local economies. However, they face barriers like insufficient start-up capital and limited networking. This publication delves into deeper the tailored solutions needed to support their growth based on in-depth research in India, Kenya and Uganda.