Signature projects

Gender-disaggregated analysis of bank agents network (2025)

  • calendarMar 24, 2026
  • time 2 min

Indonesia hosts one of the world’s largest agent network ecosystems, with both bank-led and non-bank providers playing a critical role in expanding access to digital financial services. It is estimated that the country has more than two million agents, with women representing more than 50% of the network. Despite this strong representation, women agents often face structural and operational challenges that limit their ability to realize their full potential, even though they can serve as vital channels for delivering affordable financial services to last-mile communities. 

MSC conducted a gender-disaggregated data (GDD) analysis across both a leading bank-led agent network and a prominent non-bank agent network provider in Indonesia. The objective was to better understand the performance of female agents across different operating models and identify gender-specific challenges and opportunities that influence their performance and sustainability. 

MSC analyzed gender-disaggregated performance data to compare outcomes between female and male agents across the two networks. The analysis examined key indicators such as transaction volumes, activity levels, and operational sustainability. To complement the quantitative analysis, MSC conducted qualitative interviews with female agents and field officers to better understand the operational realities faced by women agents, including intersecting barriers related to liquidity, mobility, business capacity, social norms, and support systems. 

Based on the findings, MSC developed targeted and actionable recommendations to help providers strengthen the performance and sustainability of female agents within their networks. The study generated evidence to support more gender-responsive strategies for agent recruitment, support, and retention, while also laying the groundwork for institutionalizing gender-disaggregated data analysis in agent network management. 

The Gates Foundation commissioned the project.  

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