Examines the development of financial markets in the Dominican Republic and investigates the role of credit unions in these markets. Explores the institutional strengthening of credit unions carried out between 1984 and 1992 and analyses financial performance.

Based on fieldwork undertaken during September 2004 in Bamako and in the Pays Dogon, and further financial and statistical data obtained in 2005, presents the cases of two financial institutions, Nyèsigiso and Caisses Villageoises d’Epargne et de Crédit Autogérées des Pays Dogon (CVECAs).

Deals with unregulated but legal financial entities operating in the semi-formal financial sector, essentially membership-based self-help organizations and outside assistance-based nongovernmental organizations. Provides a framework of questions and indicators to form the basis for a monitoring...

Based on interviews with officers and workers in four banks and four insurance companies in each country.

Reviews sectoral trends in output, employment and technology change in the financial sector since the 1960s, and analyses the experience of three banks and two insurance companies.