Research & Analysis

Loans to Lifelines: How Lending Innovations Enhances Climate Resilience

This episode explores two approaches that are flipping the script on how inclusive finance institutions respond to climate shocks. We dive into real-world examples from Malawi and Colombia, where these approaches are helping MFIs stay engaged during crises and unlock faster recovery for climate-affected communities.

How Can Data Help Close Gaps in Women’s Financial Inclusion? Lessons from Rwanda

Women's financial inclusion is advancing, but gaps remain. The World Bank's Global Findex 2025 reveals that 77% of women globally now hold a financial account, yet in some low- and middle-income countries, women are still up to 30 percentage points less likely to own one than men. So, what's driving this persistent divide, and how do we close it?

Leveraging Social Protection Networks for Inclusive Insurance: Lessons from Fiji

This case study draws on UNCDF's experience in Fiji to explore the effectiveness of social protection networks as a distribution channel and the role of subsidies. It reveals three conditions are needed for success: strong policy backing, long-standing UNCDF engagement, and existing social protection networks.

Nano by Necessity: Unlocking Growth for Women Entrepreneurs in Uganda and Beyond

Uganda’s 1.1 million nano and micro enterprises are the economy’s backbone, and Women lead 55% of them. Yet CGAP’s latest research shows too many remain “nano by necessity,” held back by scarce collateral and gaps in digital and financial literacy that limit scale and resilience. What will it take to change that?

What's Next for Financial Inclusion? Unpacking Findex 2025

Join top voices in the financial inclusion space to unpack the latest Findex findings and map the path forward toward development outcomes. This is Season 3, Episode 1 of CGAP's podcast, Inclusive Finance Frontiers.

Inclusive Pensions for an Aging World: Evidence and Strategies for Engaging Informal Workers

This Working Paper reviews how different countries have designed pension schemes for informal workers. It focuses on contributory schemes for the “missing middle”: informal workers with sufficiently stable incomes to save for old age but who lack access to suitable pension options.

Inclusive Business in Action: Case Studies from ABERA Cohort 1 Financial and Agricultural Service Providers

This reading deck shares initial analyses conducted with five companies in the first cohort of ABERA (Accelerating Business to Empower Rural women in Agriculture). It offers a high-level view of the opportunities and innovations from financial and agricultural service providers and how tailored financial services add value for both rural women and for the service providers.

Regulating Financial Innovation: What Does It Take?

This working paper introduces vision-guided regulation as an approach that helps financial sector regulators harness innovation for inclusive finance.

Pathways to Financial Inclusion for Young Women: Opportunities for Financial Service Providers and Funders

Based on research in Ghana and Tanzania, this Focus Note presents key opportunities for FSPs and funders to meet the real financial needs of young women aged 15-24.

Safeguarding Financial Inclusion During Crises: Lessons for Policymaking

This paper offers guidance to financial safety-net authorities on designing crisis response measures that both restore financial stability and safeguard financial inclusion.