Financial Inclusion and Microfinance
About 90% of the 180 million poor households in the region lack access to institutional financial services. Most formal financial institutions deny the poor their services because of perceived high risks, the high costs involved in small transactions, and the poor’s inability to provide marketable collateral for loans. Promotion of financial inclusion is a common developmental theme for most developing countries in Asia and the Pacific and is key to inclusive and balanced economic growth. Providing the poor with improved facilities to save and to have better access to credit and insurance helps them manage risk, build assets, increase income, and enjoy a better life.
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ADB Micro-Finance Assistance Works: Just Ask Uzbek Businesswoman Matluba Norbutaeva
Since 2010 ADB has funded 7.5 million microfinance loan accounts across Asia and the Pacific. -
Building Trust and Confidence in Cambodia’s Financial Sector
For nearly two decades, ADB's Financial Sector Program has helped strengthen Cambodia’s legal framework and expand access to finance. -
Accelerating Financial Inclusion in South-East Asia with Digital Finance
Promoting the use of formal financial services is still a challenge but digital financial solutions could help close the gaps in financial inclusion. -
Assessment of Microinsurance as Emerging Microfinance for the Poor: The Case of the Philippines
This report assesses the expansion of microinsurance activities based on the Philippines’ experience, with guidance on next steps forward. -
Microfinance Client Protection in Asia and the Pacific: Lessons from ADB-Smart Campaign Training Programs
Microfinance institutions provide small funds and related services to vulnerable groups, and are crucial to helping them escape poverty and sustain businesses. -
Public Finance and Financial Management Reforms: Output 2 - Management of the Social Insurance Fund
Consultants' reports describe activities by a consultant or group of consultants related to preparing a technical assistance project. This document dated December 2016 is provided for the ADB project 45501-001 in the People's Republic of China. -
Public Finance and Financial Management Reforms: Output 3 - Development of Local Government Bond Markets in the People’s Republic of China
Consultants' reports describe activities by a consultant or group of consultants related to preparing a technical assistance project. This document dated December 2016 is provided for the ADB project 45501-001 in the People's Republic of China. -
Public Finance and Financial Management Reforms: Output 1 - Fiscal Policy Framework for Emergency Management
Consultants' reports describe activities by a consultant or group of consultants related to preparing a technical assistance project. This document dated December 2016 is provided for the ADB project 45501-001 in the People's Republic of China. -
Banking the poor: Financial literacy is the key - Arup Chatterjee
Giving the poor access to financial services is accepted wisdom. What isn't appreciated is how this is undermined by a lingering lack of trust in banks among the people most in need of their services. -
Overview of Financial Inclusion, Regulation, and Education
Over half the world’s unbanked adults live in Asia. How can they get more access to finance? Governments in emerging Asian economies need to take a practical and holistic approach.