Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are often seen by aid practitioners as a manifestly effective means of improving the position of the poor. However, detailed research studies have been much more guarded about their impact. In particular, several studies have raised doubts about the effectiveness...

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are often seen by aid practitioners as a manifestly effective means of improving the position of the poor. Despite this widely held view, detailed research studies have been much more guarded about the impact of MFIs. In particular, several studies have raised...

Microfinance, the provision of small size loans and other financial services to low income households, is often seen as the key innovation of the last 25 years in terms of means of reaching out to the poor and vulnerable. There is extensive experience in microfinance provision in both Asia and...

Microfinance institutions (MFIs) are often seen by aid practitioners as a manifestly effective means of improving the position of the poor. Despite this widely held view, detailed research studies have been much more guarded about the impact of MFIs. In particular, several studies have raised...

This working paper assesses different approaches to microfinance delivery across Asian and Latin America. Three modalities of delivery of microfinance are discussed: the Credit Union Approach, the NGO Approach, and the Banking Approach. Also addressed is the current relatively undeveloped...

This study examines the role of foreign banks in Latin America and Asia, focusing particularly on the effects of foreign banks on the stability of the financial sector.First, using data on the presence of foreign banks via branching as well as subsidiaries, the study shows that the presence of...