Should Your Friend Be Your Banker? Digital Models Test the Waters
A recent study by CGAP identified three Person to Person (P2P) business models that could be applicable to underbanked populations in developing countries and help them move up the financial ladder.
Microinsurance: Disrupt, Fail, Repeat?
Many of the most-trumpeted initiatives in the microinsurance industry have failed to survive the past decade. With challenges far outweighing successes, the industry’s soul-searching holds implications for other emerging industries serving the BOP.
The ‘Uberification’ of Financial Inclusion: What’s Possible?
At CGAP, we want to understand what Uber and other socially interactive business models could mean for financial inclusion.
Building Big Backbones for Innovation
Building a network of agents across a broad geography has proved to be a huge barrier to entering the digital finance space for small or medium-sized companies. In Bangaldesh and Nigeria, industry giants are building the channels necessary to allow smaller players to get in the game.
Boon for the Base: Crowdfunding for the Base of the Pyramid
Crowdfuding is growing fast. Combined with the continued permeation of internet connectivity - especially via smartphones - and mobile connectivity, crowdfunding holds tremendous potential for entrepreneurs at the base of the pyramid who need access to capital.
Regulation and Innovation: Hand in Hand?
The United Kingdom's Financial Conduct Authority just launched a new approach to dealing with the natural tension between consumer protection, innovation, and ensuring financial inclusion. Project Innovate is the UK's answer to supporting innovation where it could genuinely improve the lives of consumers.