Tag: Digital credit

The waves of digitization and technological advancements have led to the opening of MFS accounts for 60% of the population in Bangladesh. The country now boasts more than 1.1 million agents. Despite the widespread use of MFS and internet access, only 9.1% of people access the formal credit system. Digital credit can be a stepping-stone in Bangladesh due to the lower cost of delivering credit through digital means, combined with the mass digital readiness of consumers. Several solutions have emerged from banks, NBFIs, FinTechs, MFSPs, MFIs, and development partners, such as City Bank’s “Nano Loan” product pilot to Prime Bank’s loan product for blue-collar workers. Together, stakeholders are trying to forge partnerships to address problems around access to credit and social development in Bangladesh.

Financial institutions have a clear opportunity to enhance access to formal financial services for MSMEs. Let us examine from this blog whether digital approaches can give the needed access to MSMEs.

This blog captures the analysis of the impact of COVID-19 on farmers in Kenya and their coping mechanisms. The blog further explores how the government is supporting the sector with relief measures, and what more needs to be done by the public and private agencies to help the sector recover.

In Kenya, the demand for digital credit as a substitute for both informal and formal financial services is strong. Yet the question remains—is the reach of digital credit wide enough to help all Kenyans who need instant credit? This blog discusses the current context and gaps relating to specific customer segments, and the associated behavioral traits and challenges. It also highlights key recommendations made to providers based on the insights and lessons from Kenya.

Speakers from SPTF, MSC and the Smart Campaign discuss the key insights from the analysis of digital credit in Kenya and the recommendations from the newly launched report ‘ Making Digital Credit Truly Responsible’.

This blog sheds light on how women are placed in the digital credit bandwagon in Kenya . Along with highlighting three key insights, the blog also establishes the business case for focusing on women as an important customer segment.