William Cook

Regulating Savings Groups: Only a Proportionate Approach Will Work

Savings groups offer vital, community-run savings and loans, thriving even in fragile contexts. But rising government regulation in some countries risks harming them unless policies remain proportionate and risk-based.

Bridging Humanitarian and Social Protection Systems in Ukraine

Ukraine’s experience highlights a core challenge: humanitarian and social protection payment systems remain disconnected. Bridging them could reduce duplication, lower costs, and improve how civilians access aid in a protracted crisis.

Rebuilding Gaza’s Financial Sector: Lessons from Afghanistan

Rebuilding Gaza’s financial sector will be essential for recovery. Funders should strengthen institutions, restore liquidity, and support local capacity. Afghanistan's coordinated, locally-led reconstruction offers an example.

Six Big Ideas: How Financial Services Can Improve Social Protection Delivery

Cash transfers are among the most effective tools for social protection but delivering them in fragile contexts remains a major challenge due to interruptions in financial sector development efforts, limited government capacity, and difficulties reaching remote communities. This paper presents ways that social protection funders can invest to achieve outcomes for both programs and recipients.

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.