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Inclusive Finance Frontiers: Daily Summaries Delivered
by CGAP
Globally, 1.4 billion people don’t have a bank account, let alone other financial services that many of us take for granted. But digitization and innovation are reshaping financial services, bringing low-income and underserved people into the formal financial sector and creating new opportunities to build a greener, more resilient, and equitable world. Join us to hear from technical experts, thought leaders, and financial service users as we explore new trends, controversies, and developments in inclusive finance.
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- 1 weeks ago17 min
Are Stablecoins the Next Frontier for Humanitarian Cash Transfers or Just the Latest Promise?
More than US$10.5 billion in cash assistance was delivered globally in 2022, according to the CALP Network. Yet the places with the greatest need are often the hardest to reach. Banks often pull out of high-risk regions, fees and foreign exchange margins can be opaque, and transfers can take days. In this episode, we ask whether stablecoins, now used by some humanitarian agencies, can fix these problems. We explore what stablecoins are, how they are regulated, and what happens when they meet the realities of crisis response. Guests Ezechiel Copic, Director for Digital Currency Policy, Visa Mercina Tillemann Perez, Vice President of Global Impact, Circle With a contribution from Ana Rosario Contreras, President, Caracas Nurse's Association and stablecoins user Resources mentioned CGAP’s Stablecoins in Humanitarian Cash Transfers Earlier Inclusive Finance Frontiers episode, “Will Central Bank Digital Currencies e a Game-Changer for Financial Inclusion?” On Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/3gHOGVkb2kNFOWFYQDTYOk?si=MwOdWUrUSO-x1mBAbN_pcwOn Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-payroll-expanding-pension-coverage-to/id1057974369?i=1000796325800On Soundcloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/LTgUx8EluzMlXGR00zCALP Network's State of the World's Cash Bank for International Settlements (BIS) Project Agora Producer: Lamis Daoud, CGAP External Affairs Officer Audio Editor and Sound Producer: Samantha Malhotra, World Bank Group Interactive Media Program Executive Producer: Jahda Swanborough, CGAP Communications Lead © CGAP/World Bank Group, 2026
- 3 weeks ago19 min
Beyond the Payroll: Expanding Pension Coverage to Informal Workers
By 2050, one in five people worldwide will be over 60, and most of them will live in low- and middle-income countries. Yet conventional pension schemes, built around formal employment, leave out the millions who live on unpredictable incomes. Women, in particular, are overrepresented in informal work and therefore most exposed to old-age poverty. In this episode, we explore why conventional pension schemes leave so many behind, what contributory models for informal workers look like in practice, and what it will take to scale them. We also ask what structural, financial, and cultural barriers must be addressed for these schemes to deliver genuine security in old age. Guests: Fiona Stewart, the Global Lead on Aging and Pension in the Social Protection Global Practice at the World Bank Group Gaspard Bayigane, Head, Long-Term Savings Scheme at Ejo Heza, Rwanda Social Security Board With a contribution from Protais Tuyisenge, Ejo Heza pensioner Producer: Lamis Daoud, CGAP External Affairs Officer Audio Editor and Sound Producer: Samantha Malhotra, World Bank Group Interactive Media Program Executive Producer: Jahda Swanborough, CGAP Communications Lead © CGAP/World Bank, 2026
- Sep 30, 202617 min
Built Before the Storm: How Disaster Finance Is Redefining Resilience
As El Niño-driven droughts and intensifying hurricaneseasons push millions into crisis, one question is reshaping disaster finance:what if communities built financial resilience before the storm hits? Thisepisode explores two pioneering models — from Barbados and the Horn of Africa —proving that preparation can mean the difference between a shock and a crisis. We examine how Barbados has built a layered nationaldisaster financing strategy and why digital payment infrastructure is just ascritical as the funds themselves. In the Horn of Africa, the DRIVE Project(De-risking, Inclusion and Value Enhancement of Pastoral Economies in the Hornof Africa) uses parametric insurance to protect pastoralists from drought, andhow intentional product design has ensured that 55% of its beneficiaries are women.Guests:Dr., The Most Honorable Kevin Greenidge,Governor, Central Bank of BarbadosHope Murera, Managing Director and Group CEO, ZEP-RE With a contribution from Charity Mueni, CommunityMobilizer, DRIVE Project, Kenya Producer: Lamis Daoud, CGAP External Affairs OfficerAudio Editor and Sound Producer: Samantha Malhotra,World Bank Group Interactive Media Program Executive Producer: Jahda Swanborough, CGAPCommunications Lead © CGAP/World Bank, 2026
- Sep 16, 20262 min
Season 4 - Trailer
🎙 Our podcast, Inclusive Finance Frontiers, is back.Agentic AI, stablecoins, inclusive insurance, and pensions for informal workers are reshaping finance for vulnerable communities, but what questions do they raise?In a new limited series, we're digging into how emerging technologies and innovative approaches can help people navigate risk, build resilience, and access opportunity—if used responsibly. We'll hear from regulators, fintech innovators, investors, and global experts. But most importantly, from the people on the receiving end of these services.Tune in every two weeks for a new episode. Follow Inclusive Finance Frontiers on your favorite platform to keep up with the latest conversations.Dr., The Most Honorable Kevin Greenidge, Governor, Central Bank of BarbadosEzechiel Copic, Director, Digital Currency Policy, VisaFiona Stewart, Global Lead on Aging and Pension in the Social Protection Global Practice, World Bank GroupGabriela Eguidazu, Vice President Digital transformation and innovation, FMBBVAGaspard Bayigane, Head of Long-Term Savings Scheme – Ejo Heza, Rwanda Social Security BoardHope Murera, Managing Director & Group CEO of ZEP-REIota Kaousar Nassr, Senior Analyst, OECDMercina Tilleman Perez, Vice President Circle Impact, CircleMonica Brand Engel, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of QuonaNandini Harihareswara, Director, Fair Digital Finance, Consumers Internationalwww.cgap.org/news-and-stories/podcast
- Apr 16, 202615 min
When Cash Can't Wait: Reimagining Payment Distribution in Sudan
Three years ago, conflict erupted in Sudan, and its toll continues to be devastating. The crisis has caused profound human suffering and dismantled the systems households once relied on to absorb shocks. The financial sector has been hit hard: liquidity has dried up, infrastructure destroyed, and social protection mechanisms unraveled. Humanitarian actors have scaled up cash assistance, but face serious obstacles: limited liquidity, fragmented financial service providers, and complex payment processes. This has resulted in accumulated delays of up to 200 days in delivering cash transfers in the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis. In this episode, we explore an emerging solution: the Shared Distribution Network (SEND), designed by CGAP and the Cash Consortium of Sudan to cut delays and improve cost-effectiveness. Featured Voices: Rayan Nimir, Policy and Advocacy Advisor, Collective Sudan (formerly, Cash Consortium of Sudan) William Cook, Senior Financial Sector Specialist, CGAP Hiba Al-Madani, a cash recipient and small business owner in Sudan Producer: Lamis Daoud, CGAP External Affairs Officer Audio Editor and Sound Producer: Samantha Malhotra, World Bank Group Interactive Media Program Executive Producer: Jahda Swanborough, CGAP Communications Lead © CGAP/World Bank, 2026 Special thanks to Sara Murray from CGAP for her expertise and insights that brought this episode to life, the Cash Collective for conducting the interview with Hiba Al-Madani, and Samah Salman for dubbing Hiba’s contribution. Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. To learn more, visit www.cgap.org. If you have any feedback, connect with us at podcast@cgap.org.
- Apr 1, 202616 min
Loans to Lifelines: Can Lending Innovations Enhance Climate Resilience?
As climate instability intensifies, frontline communities need better tools to adapt and recover. Yet, when extreme weather strikes, the institutions best positioned to help—microfinance institutions (MFIs)—have historically pulled back, reducing lending during crises, just when clients need capital the most. Today, a new wave of innovations is changing that equation, in ways that still make financial sense for lenders. This episode explores two approaches that are flipping the script on how inclusive finance institutions respond to climate shocks: Recovery lending: Post-disaster loans that help households and small businesses rebuild quicklyContingent lines of credit: Pre-arranged financing that can be activated when a specific, objective trigger is met We dive into real-world examples from Malawi and Colombia, where these approaches are helping MFIs stay engaged during crises and unlock faster recovery for climate-affected communities. Featured Voices: Karen Lewin, Financial Services Head, VisionFund International Juan Camilo Flórez Falla, Head of Digital Banking, Bancamía Grecium Kachingwe, a fish vendor from Phalombe, Malawi Producer: Lamis Daoud, CGAP External Affairs Officer Audio Editor and Sound Producer: Samantha Malhotra, World Bank Group Interactive Media Program Executive Producer: Jahda Swanborough, CGAP Communications Lead © CGAP/World Bank, 2026 Special thanks to Peter Zetterli and Michel Hanouch from CGAP for helping shape this episode. Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. To learn more, visit www.cgap.org. If you have any feedback, connect with us at podcast@cgap.org.
- Mar 18, 202613 min
How Can Data Help Close Gaps in Women’s Financial Inclusion? Lessons from Rwanda
Women's financial inclusion is advancing, but gaps remain. The World Bank's Global Findex 2025 reveals that 77% of women globally now hold a financial account, yet in some low- and middle-income countries, women are still up to 30 percentage points less likely to own one than men. So, what's driving this persistent divide, and how do we close it? In our last episode, we looked at some of the barriers nano women entrepreneurs face and potential solutions. Thie time, we turn to the power of data. Gender-disaggregated data gives regulators and financial service providers the insight needed to design products and policies that truly serve women. In this episode, we explore how Rwanda is leading the way using smarter data collection to build a more inclusive and equitable financial system for women. Featured Voices Dr. Moise Bigirimana, Director of Financial Sector Development and Inclusion, National Bank of Rwanda Michelle Gacinya, Strategy Lead W-MSME, Bank of Kigali Sabrina Mutangana, Skincare business owner, Rwanda Producer: Lamis Daoud, CGAP External Affairs Officer Audio Editor and Sound Producer: Samantha Malhotra, World Bank Group Interactive Media Program Executive Producer: Jahda Swanborough, CGAP Communications Lead © CGAP/World Bank, 2026 Special thanks to Valdete Berisha for conducting the interviews with this episode's guests on behalf of the produce. Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. To learn more, visit www.cgap.org. If you have any feedback, connect with us at podcast@cgap.org.
- Mar 4, 202614 min
Nano by Necessity: Unlocking Growth for Women Entrepreneurs in Uganda and Beyond
Uganda’s 1.1 million nano and micro enterprises are the economy’s backbone, driving jobs and economic growth. Women lead 55% of them, sustaining households, strengthening communities, and powering local markets. Yet CGAP’s latest research shows too many remain “nano by necessity,” held back by scarce collateral and gaps in digital and financial literacy that limit scale and resilience. What will it take to change that? We speak with GnuGrid—Uganda’s first and only indigenous credit reference bureau—and the Ministry of Finance. How can policymakers, financial service providers, and development partners design tailored interventions that meet women where they are? And how can an ecosystem-wide response unlock the full economic potential of Uganda’s women entrepreneurs?Featured Voices Sandra Nakabiri, Senior Economist at Uganda’s Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development Dr. Sumayyah SengendoN.S Mutagubya, Managing Director of GnuGrid Gladys Kwalisima, corn vendor in Uganda Producer: Lamis Daoud, CGAP External Affairs Officer Audio Editor and Sound Producer: Samantha Malhotra, World Bank Group Interactive Media ProgramExecutive Producer: Jahda Swanborough, CGAP Communications Lead© CGAP/World Bank, 2026Listen and subscribe for free on your favorite platform. To learn more, visit www.cgap.org. If you have any feedback, connect with us at podcast@cgap.org.
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About Inclusive Finance Frontiers
Globally, 1.4 billion people don’t have a bank account, let alone other financial services that many of us take for granted. But digitization and innovation are reshaping financial services, bringing low-income and underserved people into the formal financial sector and creating new opportunities to build a greener, more resilient, and equitable world. Join us to hear from technical experts, thought leaders, and financial service users as we explore new trends, controversies, and developments in inclusive finance.
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