Asian Development Blog

Microfinance survived the pandemic. It needs the right policies to expand going forward. Photo: ADB

Microfinance Survived the Pandemic but Challenges Lie Ahead

The right actions by microfinance institutions and governments can ensure a promising outlook for microfinance in Asia this year.

Anshukant Taneja

Many small businesses in Kazakhstan struggle to get basic financing. Photo: ADB

Empowering Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kazakhstan

Micro, Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises in Kazakhstan need increased financing coupled with targeted, innovative solutions to continue driving the economy and creating jobs.

Pamela Bracey, Elmira Izmaganova

Central bank digital currencies can help bring financial benefits to people in remote areas with less risk. Photo: ADB

Government-Backed Digital Currencies Can Be a Powerful Tool for Financial Inclusion

Government-backed digital currencies can help remote communities leap-frog the limitations of traditional currencies and get more people into financial systems.

Lotte Schou-Zibell

For many in Asia, financial inclusion begins with the phone. Photo: ADB

If Carefully Managed, “Buy Now, Pay Later” Can Bring More People into the Financial System

The popular instant credit system could be a powerful tool to help Asia’s unbanked establish credit, open bank accounts and otherwise reap the benefits of the formal financial system.

Lotte Schou-Zibell, Sarah Corley

Women running small businesses in Asia face unique challenges in getting credit to obtain loans. Photo: ADB

In Asia, We Need to Calculate Credit Scores Differently to Help Women Get Loans

A great credit score is crucial to secure loans. But traditional credit scoring models put many women at a disadvantage. It’s time for a new model.

Dean Caire, Sabine Spohn

Financial technology has great potential for improving the lives of those with disabilities. Photo: ADB

In Asia, People with Disabilities Need Greater Access to Financial Technology

Fintech companies, with the support of governments, can lead the way in making technology a tool for people with disabilities to have greater access to financial services.

Arup Kumar Chatterjee

With more capital, women-owned businesses in Viet Nam could spur both more profits and positive social change. Photo: ADB

How Banks in Viet Nam Can Empower Women’s Businesses

Bank boards can drive growth and profits while spurring positive social change by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises owned by women.

Donald Lambert

The greater use of digital devices and services provides opportunities to increase financial inclusion. Photo: ADB

COVID-19 is Changing Financial Inclusion: Can Policymakers Keep Up?

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased the importance of ensuring that the poorest and most vulnerable people have access to formal financial services, given their role in supporting inclusive economic recovery and resilience.

Shawn Hunter, Peter Rosenkranz