Inclusive Finance and Economic Development

3 Credits

Non-technical survey of the global inclusive finance sector, which provides financial services to the poor at large scale, mostly in developing nations. Historical origins and industry evolution. Nature and developmental role of microenterprises and informal finance. Methods and technologies used by microfinance institutions and other inclusive finance providers. Case studies. The lives of clients. Policy and regulatory environments. Debates over profiting from the poor, and over health and environmental goals. Conflicting evidence on economic and social impact. Meetings with practitioners. Prerequisites: ECO 001 Attribute/Distribution: CC, SS, SW