Signature projects

Beyond traditional surveys: A new methodological pathway for measuring financial inclusion in Laos

  • calendarOct 7, 2026
  • time 1 min

Lao PDR last collected demand-side financial inclusion data in 2014-15 through FinScope. Traditional surveys are costly and difficult to conduct in remote rural areas, which creates a data gap for the National Financial Inclusion Roadmap 2022–28. 

MSC (MicroSave Consulting) supports the Bank of the Lao PDR (BoL) to design, fund, and implement a rapid rural survey on financial services and financial education. We review rapid survey approaches in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and worldwide, including short message service (SMS), computer-assisted telephone interviewing (CATI), computer-assisted personal interviewing (CAPI), and mixed-mode formats. 

We work with Cadmus to develop an innovative survey methodology tailored to the Lao context and propose its proprietary MOSAIC approach. MOSAIC combines official, supply-side, and alternative data with interviews through computer-assisted web interviewing (CAWI), interactive voice response (IVR), CATI, and CAPI. This approach enables system optimization through available data sources. We also develop a pro forma budget, support BoL with survey instrument approval, and help mobilize funding. 

In April 2026, BoL and Cadmus endorsed the approach. We submitted the validated methodology and final report, including the implementation roadmap, budget, and a list of indicative partners. 

Cadmus, the lead service provider for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) ASEAN Economic Integration program, commissioned the project. 

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