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.
William is a Certified Public Accountant. He holds a Master’s degree in Public Administration from the Harvard Kennedy School, and a Master’s Degree in Information Systems and Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from Michigan State University.
By William Cook
Blog
When is Interoperability Right for Microfinance?
When is interoperability right for microfinance institutions? We draw on interviews with 40 small financial institutions to unpack the complex picture around a universal approach to ensuring all institutions benefit from real-time, digital payments.Blog
Is Financial Inclusion a Reason to Push Central Bank Digital Currencies?
Advocates of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDC) often cite financial inclusion as a reason to introduce them. CGAP examines their three main arguments: improved access to digital financial services, enhanced efficiency of payments and lower cost.Blog
Comparing India’s UPI and Brazil’s New Instant Payment System, PIX
Many countries are pressing forward with new systems to enable better, faster digital payments. Brazil's instant payment system, PIX, is among the newest and most exciting. How does it compare to India's well-known UPI system?Research
Interoperability and Digital Finance: Emerging Guidance for Funders
This technical note helps funders to understand the concept of interoperability, how instant payments systems can advance financial inclusion, and what funders can do to support their development.Research