an Independent global think tank
We work to drive evidence-based change for inclusive and responsible financial systems.
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Financial Inclusion in the Blue Economy: The Case for a New Global Agenda
Unpacking User Centricity through the Payments Layer of Digital Public Infrastructure
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Global DPI Insights Community
This CFI-led initiative supports rigorous, grounded research and enables constructive debate around the forces shaping Digital Public Infrastructure design and the longer-term impact it can have on users. We have opened a first-round call for proposals to provide seed funding for new research exploring how DPI is being implemented, governed, and adapted in different contexts.
The deadline for submissions is June 30.
Latest Articles from CFI
South Africa’s Inclusion Story: Two Decades of Financial Progress Amid Economic Challenges
Our Research Priorities
We believe that people belong at the center of inclusive finance, and we take a customer-centric approach in all that we do. In today’s digital era, the risks people face when using financial tools and services are quickly evolving. At CFI, we conduct research, test new approaches to consumer protection, and build knowledge on emerging risks. By working with financial service providers, investors, and policymakers, we strive to ensure inclusive finance practices promote the well-being of consumers.
Data is key to financial services and is increasingly becoming ubiquitous in today’s digital era. Consumer data can help people get access to personalized, effective financial tools that can help them achieve their goals and improve their livelihoods. Yet, the use of consumer data also poses new risks. At CFI, we focus on promoting data transparency and responsible privacy practices, protecting already underserved populations against algorithmic bias, and monitoring emerging data privacy and protection frameworks around the world to understand what does and does not work to advance inclusive finance.
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Equitable AI for Inclusive Finance
We know that financial services are an indispensable tool to help people prepare for climate-related events and to help them recover when crises do happen. We also know that the people who have contributed the least to climate change are the ones most affected by its impacts. At CFI, we work to understand vulnerable populations’ constraints and what financial tools they need the most. We aim to help people build resilience to climate risks, adapt to changing climatic conditions, and in some cases even transition to new livelihoods.
Despite decades of focus on women as an important client group for financial services, there has been limited progress in reducing the gap in women’s access to finance. At CFI, we believe that women’s financial inclusion is powerfully shaped by broader societal norms. We focus on building evidence for what works to address the systemic barriers contributing to gender inequality and on how to scale successful norms-transformative initiatives. We aim to influence the policy environment to move the needle on women’s financial inclusion.
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Resource Library
We conduct rigorous research and share our findings to promote evidence-based decision making.
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Convenings
Our global convenings bring stakeholders together to mainstream new ideas and ignite collaboration.
CFI is an independent think tank housed at Accion.
Accion founded CFI in 2008 to serve as an independent think tank on inclusive finance. Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy where underserved people can make informed decisions and improve their lives.