Staff Directory

William Cook

Senior Financial Sector Specialist

Based in Nairobi, William Cook focuses on payments, financial market infrastructure, and digital business models. Before joining CGAP, William held a variety of roles in financial services, including six years with Ernst & Young LLP in the organization’s advisory and audit practices.

By William Cook

Research

Trust in Transition: Afghanistan’s Hawala System in Crisis and Recovery

Afghanistan’s hawala system plays a critical and evolving role in the country’s financial ecosystem. Since August 2021 its role has only expanded as trust in the banking system faltered. Although hawala faces local competition and international skepticism due to transparency concerns, it remains a vital financial tool. The paper suggests that stakeholders should deepen engagement with hawala networks, support their regulation and formalization, and explore innovative partnerships to advance financial inclusion.
Blog

Financial Services Amid Crisis: Resilience and Reconstruction in Gaza and West Bank

FSPs in the West Bank & Gaza face unprecedented challenges amid the ongoing crisis, with Gaza's situation changing daily. Eventual stability will bring a flow of aid, making it crucial to support & rebuild the financial sector for future development.
Research

From Crisis to Resilience: The Role of Inclusive Finance in Fragile Countries

Inclusive finance can bolster resilience and unlock opportunities for low-income people in fragile countries. CGAP identifies three levers of change for funders: leveraging humanitarian cash transfers, understanding informal financial services, and improving local market facilitation.
Blog

Navigating Compound Crises: Microfinance Learnings From Lebanon

Lebanon has faced a recent string of compounding crises, crippling GDP and decimating the Lebanese currency. Al Majmoua MFI survived the freefall and offers valuable insights into the diversity of measures that can be taken in the face of crisis.
Research

Engaging Financial Services Providers in the Context of G2P Choice

This deck aims to help implementers of G2P choice programs in better reaching recipients and achieving program objectives.