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We are always looking out for blog posts that further the discussion on inclusive finance. Share your idea or unique perspective, or submit a draft post and we'll be happy to consider it.

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‘Responsible Finance’ is Not Responsible if it’s Not Gender-Intentional

Reflecting on conversations from the 2023 RFF event, CFI's Advisory Council chair Joanna Ledgerwood writes about why DFS risks are greater for women and what is needed for addressing and preventing these risks to increase women's digital inclusion.

By Joanna Ledgerwood
Sep 14, 2023

Gender Bias in AI: An Experiment with ChatGPT in Financial Inclusion

Following the release of CFI's Equitable AI Guide and Brief, Lucciana Alvarez Ruiz identifies issues with popular AI tools, like ChatGPT, and how AI can result in harmful gender bias if key challenges with building accountability and transparency are not addressed.

By Lucciana Alvarez Ruiz
Aug 25, 2023

Power in Practice – or Only on Paper? Addressing the Financial Gaps Affecting Women Business Owners in India

Columbia University SIPA graduate, Nina Liew, considers how fintechs can challenge discriminatory gender norms, intentionally design products for women users, and diversify their organization to further benefit women.

By Nina Liew
Aug 15, 2023

Fight Gender Inequality: Prioritizing Women’s Customer Experience in Product Design and Complaint Resolution Processes

Interviews with 38 women MSE owners in India emphasize the need for banks and fintechs to adopt a gender-intelligent approach to better understand how women use complaint resolution processes and design offerings that address their specific needs.

By Nikita Chettri + 5 more
Aug 08, 2023

How FSPs Can Help Low-Income Populations in Sierra Leone Respond to Climate-Related Shocks

Interviews with 12 agriculture and financial experts in Sierra Leone identify 3 major climate risks for the country. How can FSPs better understand the impact of these risks and help vulnerable populations transition to alternative livelihoods?

By Alfred Jusu
Aug 02, 2023

Exploring Fintech Funding Dynamics in Recent Years

The fintech expansion in low- and middle-income markets faces numerous challenges, but the sector continues to be an area of significant opportunity and innovation. CFI breaks down four key trends in fintech funding today and urges investors to continue supporting inclusive fintechs toward sustained growth.

By Eda Dokle & Chantelle Macey
Jul 24, 2023

Outlining Priorities for Responsible Finance

Magda Bianco identifies three areas that require urgent attention in the face of the evolving nature of consumer risks: financial exclusion for migrants, new technologies, and reaching traditionally underserved segments, especially small businesses and women.

By Magda Bianco
Jun 27, 2023

Ending the Cycle of Insanity: Responsible Finance in the Digital Age

As we prepare to meet in Bengaluru for RFF 2023, Mayada El-Zoghbi reflects on recent conversations with clients in Colombia and Kenya and urges the inclusive finance sector to refocus efforts to break out of an endless cycle of emerging risks.

By Mayada El-Zoghbi
Jun 15, 2023

Designing for Dignity: Creating Equal Opportunity through Financial Inclusion – Q & A with Rosita Najmi, CFI Advisory Council Member

CFI spoke with Rosita Najmi to reflect on her 20+ years in global development and her personal relationship with poverty that has shaped her strong desire to empower others.

By Eda Dokle
Jun 12, 2023

Climate Vulnerability and Financial Exclusion Go Hand in Hand – What Can Be Done?

Research shows a positive correlation between financial inclusion and financial resilience. While we cannot prevent climate-related events from happening, this guest blog post focuses on the potential within our reach to help people prepare for the next disaster.

By Leora Klapper + 2 more
May 15, 2023

Colombian Wetlands Hard Hit by Climate Shocks - What Role for Financial Services?

CFI's Anindita Chakraborty transports us to the Colombian wetlands, where climate shocks persist and people must diversify their livelihoods to survive. Discussions with these communities reveal why existing financial systems are not working for these men and women and what needs to change.

By Anindita Chakraborty
May 08, 2023

The Intersection of Financial Inclusion and Gender during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights from Impact Investing

In this guest blog post, the authors discuss new research from the Global Impact Investing Network (GIIN) and how impact investors can use their privilege and power to support gender equality in times of crisis and beyond.

By Jacob Tate & Sophia Sunderji
May 01, 2023

Inclusive Finance and Extreme Heat: How Small Loans and Parametric Insurance Can Help Vulnerable Populations Manage Through Deadly Heat Waves

Last year, temperatures were at an all-time high in India. CFI's Howard Miller highlights the negative impacts of extreme heat on households in India and what financial service providers need to do to help vulnerable people build resilience and adapt to climate change.

By Howard Miller
Apr 27, 2023

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