Finance for All? Policies and pitfalls in expanding access

Abstract

This volume reviews research evidence on the outreach of financial sectors in developing countries, and on the role of financial access in boosting economic performance. Failure to provide more households and small and medium enterprises with the financial services they need acts as a brake on development. While noting the microfinance industry’s progress in delivering credit to poor people, the report calls for a broader financial strategy that delivers services to all excluded people and firms. Inclusive financial systems ultimately benefit the poorest people and the smallest firms the most, by creating more jobs, raising incomes, and generating more opportunities for small businesses. Policy options are discussed.