Blog

Ensuring Responsible Open Finance for Consumers and their Data

For consumers to harness the benefits of open finance, adopting a comprehensive consumer and data protection regulatory and supervisory framework, putting consumers first, and ensuring collaboration among key actors in the ecosystem is imperative.

Can What Remains of Sudan’s Financial System Be Used to Fight Famine?

December 4 marks 600 days of war in Sudan, one that has caused famine, mass displacement, and lost income. Cash transfers can save lives but need a functioning financial system to work - protecting Sudan’s financial sector now is key.

Seizing the Moment: FATF Revisions and Financial Inclusion 2.0

The FATF's proposed revisions to its AML/CFT/CPF standards refine how the risk-based approach is implemented. While a step forward, the FI community should consider how much these changes can be leveraged to ensure greater financial inclusion.

Charting the Path to Belém: Inclusive Finance Is the Key to Climate Action

Talks around climate finance dominated COP29, but sourcing funding is only one part of the puzzle. Now the NCQG – the newly agreed global funding target – has been agreed, it's time to focus squarely on how the money will be disbursed and to whom.

From Protection to Resilience: Rethinking Insurance for All

True resilience against risk requires an inclusive approach that integrates risk management across sectors and leverages the insurance industry to ensure a just transition. CGAP and AXA will work to rethink insurance and build resilience.

Alternative Pathways for Young Women’s Dreams: How FI Policy Can Help

Many young women are out of school, married, or raising children, yet policies often overlook their economic realities. Policymakers can empower them by making policy that helps them plan for their futures while working with their lived realities.

FATF Supports Inclusion With Recent Revisions

The FATF is updating its AML/CFT standards, with a public consultation open until December 6. The changes could boost access to financial services, and CGAP calls on the financial inclusion community to review and share feedback.

What Is “Appropriate” Financial Inclusion for Young Women?

Young women in low-income countries face major life changes in early adulthood. Tailored financial inclusion—through segmented products, accessible delivery, financial literacy, and partnerships—supports their transitions.

CGAP’s Take: How Can Inclusive Finance Tackle Food Security?

Food security is a complex and multidimensional issue. CGAP's new framework aims to improve food security through inclusive finance by targeting key agricultural chains, AgTech, and tailored services for low-income communities.

Ukraine's Diia: A Digital Lifeline in Times of Crisis

During crises, providing essential services is a challenge. Digital payments can streamline disbursements, but building and maintaining the necessary infrastructure is difficult. Ukraine shows how public-private partnerships can address these issues.

Everyone Loves Drama: Changing Financial Norms With Edutainment

Edutainment does more than entertain. It shapes our understanding of the world and sparks change – and even the use of financial services. Compelling characters in engaging stories can increase account ownership, savings, and financial planning.

In Burkina Faso, the Most Vulnerable DFS Users Need Better Protection

DFS users in Burkina Faso face significant risks. A national survey revealed key challenges: poor network quality, fraud, and user difficulties. The most vulnerable—women and rural populations—struggle the most.

Tackling Gender Norms in Mozambique's Financial Services

Despite progress, women in Mozambique remain less financially included than men. A GIZ, CGAP, and AMB study reveals deep-rooted gender norms as key barriers, sparking targeted efforts to reshape financial systems for women.

Reflecting on 15 Years of the UNSGSA Driving Financial Inclusion Impact

Marking 15 years of Queen Máxima of the Netherlands and UNSGSA driving financial inclusion impact, CGAP CEO Sophie Sirtaine reflects on the significant strides the industry has made in advancing financial inclusion worldwide.

Customer Focus Brings Green Technology to Rural Women in India

Customer-centricity means understanding people's financial needs and realities. Sistema.bio in India uses this approach to offer affordable biodigesters to rural women, leveraging carbon credits.

The Stories Behind Late Repayment on Digital Credit in Cote D’Ivoire

Borrowers in Cote D’Ivoire had higher rates of loan non-repayment than those in Kenya and Tanzania, and CGAP wanted to know why. Qualitative research results shed more light on the users’ experience and the possible causes of the late repayments.

Journey to Kigali: Four Lessons on Peer Learning for Gender Data

When it comes to strategies on gender-disaggregated data for women's financial inclusion, peer learning, diversity of approaches to gender data collection and use, and creative solutions in advancing gender equality in the financial sector are key.

What is Vision-Driven Financial Regulation?

Innovation drives progress, but the law shapes it. CGAP has been exploring the intersection between regulation, innovation, and financial inclusion through research on what makes some regulators better equipped to deal with innovation than others.

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.

Transforming Côte d'Ivoire's Cashew Sector with Phygital Empowerment

In Côte d’Ivoire, Wi-Agri empowers women farmers with digital tools and on-the-ground support. By understanding the challenges rural Ivorian women face, Wi-Agri is able to design for them rather than around them.