Join this timely discussion on what the evidence shows, what decades of practice have taught us, and how to move beyond the simplified debate over whether microfinance "works" toward a clearer understanding of what it takes for credit to benefit borrowers and deliver meaningful development impact.

This reading deck explores how climate Contingent Lines of Credit (CLOCs) work, what design choices matter, and how they can complement savings, insurance, and other resilience tools.

This report aims to inform practitioners and policymakers about ways in which innovations in credit scoring can advance financial inclusion while ensuring fairness and protecting consumers. 

This study examined how financial literacy and interest rate conditions influence borrowing behavior among small borrowers in Asante Akim North Municipality of the Ashanti Region of Ghana. 

The results show that female applicants below the threshold are less likely to take out loans and receive smaller loan amounts than men. However, this gender bias disappears for applicants above the threshold.

Banks and MFIs have often overlooked women nano-entrepreneurs as too costly to serve. But by reaching them through trusted savings groups and digital tools, financial institutions are finding viable ways to serve segments traditional lending has missed.

Advans Ghana shares how it is developing targeted responses for clients affected by floods and fires, with recovery lending and client-centered support.

Affordable health finance products boost resilience for urban slum dwellers in India.

Financial tools including insurance and recovery lending are key for improving microfinance clients’ resilience.