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Articles by: CGAP (183 items)

Technology and Access to Microfinance (2008)
Paper presented at the Microfinance Summit, February 14-16, 2008, Kathmandu, Nepal
2007 CGAP Regional Funder Survey: Sub-Saharan Africa (2008)
CGAP survey of funder projects, specific country activities, and funding instruments
Savings Glossary (2005)
Glossary on savings adapted from "Saving Operations for the Poor: An Operational Guide."
Savings Frequently Asked Questions (2005)
FAQs on savings adapted from "Saving Operations for the Poor: An Operational Guide."
CGAP Study on Self-Help Groups in India (2007)
Brief on CGAP's two-part study examining the financial viability of SHGs
CGAP-MicroSave Virtual Savings Exchange Report (2005)
Summary of discussions from Virtual Savings Exchange conference on the challenges of mobilizing small deposits
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 14 (2007)
Regulatory innovations for an enabling microinsurance environment
Microinsurance: What Can Donors Do? (Microinsurance in Focus No. 8) (2008)
Tips to donors on supporting microinsurance
Claims Processing: Some General Comments (Microinsurance in Focus No. 9) (2008)
Microinsurance provider initiatives on facilitating claims process
Providing Insurance of Real Value to the Poor (Microinsurance in Focus No. 12) (2008)
Making a case for group micro-insurance
CGAP MENA Initiative Update - January - April 2008 (2008)
CGAP partner activities in the Middle East and North Africa
Delivering for Efficiency - 3 Case Studies on Cost–Efficient Delivery Mechanisms (2006)
Creative approaches used by MFIs for cost-efficient delivery mechanisms
Managing for Profitability - Case Studies from DEPROSC Development Bank (DD Bank) in Nepal and Banco Caja Social (BCSC) in Columbia (2006)
Institutional efforts in managing operations profitably in challenging situations
Marketing for Trust - 4 Case Studies on Marketing Small–Balance Deposits (2006)
Institutional strategies for marketing deposit services to low-income clients
Selling Savings Services - Q&As with Experts (2006)
Highlights from a 24-hour Q&A session on marketing deposit services for the poor
Text-A-Deposit: Expanding Mobile-Phone Banking to Include Savings Services (2007)
A look at USAID's MABS program that facilitates mobile phone technology for remittances
Where are They Now? Learning from the Progress of Seven Microfinance Deposit–taking Institutions from 1996–2003 (2008)
This paper examines the success of small-balance savings institutions.
Recommendations for Commercial Insurers (Microinsurance in Focus No. 7) (2008)
How can microinsurers reach the low-income market?
Loss Prevention and Control (Microinsurance in Focus No. 6) (2007)
This note explains how microinsurers can help their clients prevent losses.
Organizational Development in Microinsurance (Microinsurance in Focus No. 5) (2007)
This paper suggests solutions to the problems of organizational development in microinsurance.
CGAP 2007 Annual Report (2007)
Review of CGAP’s role and activities in microfinance in 2007.
Information Systems: Implementation Guidelines - A Practical Guide to the Development Life Cycle of Microfinance Information Systems (2008)
This document presents guidelines to assist microfinance organizations in implementing information systems.
Information Systems: Technology Dictionary (2008)
A dictionary of technical terms related to information systems in microfinance organization.
Information Systems: Frequently Asked Questions (2008)
This document answers frequently asked questions on microfinance information systems.
Policy and Regulatory Framework for Microfinance in Syria (2008)
This paper suggests factors that could help Syria make progress in microfinance.
Poor Peoples' Savings: Q&As with Experts (2006)
Compilation of experts’ views on savings demand, products, delivery models and policy issues.
CGAP MENA Initiative Update - September- December 2007 (2008)
This paper describes the activities and achievements of CGAP partners in the Middle East and North Africa.
Marketing: Promoting Insurance to the Poor (Microinsurance in Focus No. 1) (2007)
This note outlines a marketing strategy to create an insurance culture in a low-income market.
Product Design and Insurance Risk Management (Microinsurance in Focus No. 2) (2007)
This note provides guidance on developing insurance products and services targeted at low-income markets.
Premium Collection: Minimizing Transaction Costs and Maximizing Customer Service (Microinsurance in Focus No. 3) (2007)
This note discusses the modes of microinsurance premium collection.
Strategies for Sustainability (Microinsurance in Focus No. 4) (2007)
This note summarizes the main strategies to achieve sustainability in microinsurance programs.
DANIDA Peer Review: Letter to Management (2003)
The letter outlines DANIDA's strengths, weaknesses and recommendations to improve microfinance operations.
International Labor Organization Peer Review: Note to Management (2003)
Recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the International Labor Organization
IFAD Peer Review Check-up: Note to Management (2005)
The note summarizes the 2002 peer review situation, analyzes current situation and proposes recommendations for moving forward.
Sida Peer Review Check-up: Note to Management (2006)
How can Sida improve its effectiveness in financial systems development?
Good Practice Guidelines E-book (2007)
Handbook for microfinance funding agency staff to help them support and interact with various stakeholders.
Growing Investment in Microfinance (2007)
This CGAP publication offers insight into the latest microfinance investment trends.
CGAP MENA Initiative Update - May - August 2007 (2007)
A look at the activities and achievements of CGAP partners in the Middle East and North Africa
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 13 (Spanish) (2007)
August 2007 Spanish edition of the CGAP Microinsurance Working Group Newsletter
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 13 (French) (2007)
August 2007 French edition of the CGAP Microinsurance Working Group Newsletter
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 13 (2007)
August 2007 English edition of the CGAP Microinsurance Working Group Newsletter
Targeting Poorer Clients (2007)
This issue of Portfolio provides an inside view of new trends in microfinance and the latest news from CGAP.
Notes on Regulation of Branchless Banking in Pakistan (2007)
Clearing the path for branchless banking in Pakistan
CGAP Strategic Directions (2008-2013) (2007)
Building local financial systems that work for the poor - The strategy of the Consultative group to Assist the Poor
Down-Scaling Commercial Banks into MFIs: A Case Study from Kazakhstan (2005)
Leveraging the pre-existing infrastructures in commercial banking institutions to tackle poverty through microfinance
Issues in Regulation and Supervision of Microinsurance (2007)
How to ensure professional regulation and supervision of microinsurance?
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 11 (French) (2006)
Newsletter focusing on insurance models for rural microfinance clients
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 9 (French) (2006)
Why is regulation of micro-insurance necessary, yet difficult?
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 9 (Spanish) (2006)
Why is regulation of micro-insurance necessary, yet difficult?
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 8 (Spanish) (2005)
Lessons learnt from models implemented in micro-insurance
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 8 (French) (2005)
Lessons learnt from models implemented in micro-insurance
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 7 (French) (2005)
Managing risks - Capabilities of the poor enhanced through microinsurance
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 5 (French) (2004)
What’s new with microinsurance?
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 4 (French) (2004)
Finding the appropriate insurance products
Software Review of SML Vision 2003 (Version 2.1a Release 3.1) (2006)
Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of SML Vision 2003 Version 2.1a Release 3.1 software.
Software Review of Abacus OneWorld (Version 1.0) (2005)
Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of Abacus OneWorld 1.0 software
Better Aid: Rethinking the Way We Work (2006)
Summary report of CGAP’s virtual conference "Better Aid: Rethinking the Way We Work", September 11 - 15, 2006.
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 11 (2006)
Newsletter focusing on insurance models for rural microfinance clients New!
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 11 (Spanish) (2006)
Newsletter focusing on insurance models for rural microfinance clients
Microfinance in Algeria: Opportunities and Challenges (2006)
Can financial reforms tackle the regulatory obstacles to the development of microfinance in Algeria?
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 10 (French) (2006)
Newsletter focusing on insurance models for rural microfinance clients
Software Review of Topaz Microfinance (Version 5.0) (2005)
Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of Topaz Microfinance software
Software Review of Total Microfinancing Solutions/MicroFit Solutions 2005 d9 (2005)
Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of TMS software
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 10 (Spanish) (2006)
Newsletter focusing on different insurance models for rural microfinance clients
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 10 (2006)
Newsletter focusing on insurance models for rural microfinance clients
Mobile Phones for Microfinance (CGAP Brief) (2006)
A look at the potential of mobile phone banking services
Using Technology to Build Inclusive Financial Systems (CGAP Brief) (2006)
Branchless banking – A study
Microinsurance: A Risk Management Strategy (2003)
What is the importance of microinsurance for the poor?
Software Review of EQUINOX (Version 4.0.1) (2005)
What are the pros and cons of the software Equinox 4.0.1?
Software Review of CUBIS 2005 (2005)
Ideal software for microfinance institutions adopting the individual lending methodology
Software Review of CUMIS Plus 6 (2005)
Software designed for credit unions
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 9 (2006)
Why is regulation of micro-insurance necessary, yet difficult?
Software Review of Micro Financer Matrix (Version 2.01) (2005)
A software review
Software Review of EL Mohassil (Version 2.1) (2005)
Is the software El Mohassil 2.1 suitable for the use of a microfinance institution?
Software Review of SIEM (Version 7.13) (2005)
Is SIEM 7.3 suitable for use by a microfinance institution?
Software Review of MBWin 4.5.1 (2005)
Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of MBWin 4.5.1 software
Software Review of SAF (2005)
Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of SAF software
Software Review of ASCEND (2005)
Is the software “ASCEND” effective in serving microfinance institutions?
Software Review of Kredits (Version 5.12) (2005)
How is Kredits software useful for microfinance institutions?
Software Review of COBIS (Version 3.5) (2005)
Some basic facts about COBIS (Version 3.5)
CGAP Country-Level Savings Assessment: Bosnia & Herzegovina (2005)
How to improve formal sector savings in Bosnia - Herzegovina?
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 8 (2005)
Lessons learnt from models implemented in micro-insurance
CGAP Case Studies in Agricultural Microfinance: An Overview (2005)
Agricultural lending to the rural poor
CGAP DIRECT Presentation - Microfinance and HIV/AIDS (2003)
How to devise an effective microfinance response to the HIV/AIDS crisis?
Software Review of Bankers Realm (Version 3.0) (2005)
Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of Bankers Realm 3.0 software
Software Review of Delta Loan Tracking System (2005)
Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of Delta Loan Tracking System software
Software Review of The Exceptional Assistant (TEA) (Version 9.16) (2005)
Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of The Exceptional Assistant (TEA) 9.16 software
Software Review of ADBanking (2005)
Is the ADBanking software relevant to microfinance institutions?
Software Review of Loan Performer (Version 7.04) (2005)
How relevant is the “loan performer 7.04” software to small microfinance institutions?
Software Review of M2 MFI (Version 1.4.8) (2005)
Review of institutional fit, cost, implementation sites, and pros and cons of M2 MFI software
Software Review of Finance Solutions (Version 8.32b) (2005)
Is the software “Finance Solutions 8.32b” suitable for installation in microfinance institutions?
Working With Savings & Credit Cooperatives (Donor Brief No. 25) (2005)
What do donors need to remember in promoting savings and credit cooperatives?
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 7 (2005)
Managing risks - Capabilities of the poor enhanced through microinsurance
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - CUBIS 2001 International (Fern Computer Services Ltd.) (2001)
How is CUBIS 2001 International useful for credit union cooperatives and rural banks?
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - Cobis 3.4 (Microbanx) (2003)
An appraisal of a comprehensive financial enterprise application that supports microfinance services
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - Bankers Realm (Craft Silicon) (2003)
Review of a newly designed banking application, based on the vendor’s previous experience serving the microfinance market.
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - Loan Performer 5.30 (Crystal Clear Software, Ltd.) (2001)
How has CGAP rated the Loan Performer 5.30 software?
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - Kredits 3.45 (Technical Development Solutions, LLC) (2001)
Analysis of a software used to support loan portfolio management
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - FAO MicroBanking System MBXD 2000 (MB Philippines, Inc.) (2001)
Evaluation of a software used by MFIs, cooperatives, and commercial banks
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - eMerge G103.1.06 (Temenos eMerge) (2001)
Appraisal of a banking application with a high degree of flexibility that users can mold to support institutional needs
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - eMerge 1.0 (Tenemos-DBS) (2001)
Appraisal of software appropriate for medium to large MFIs with teller operations
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - El Mohassil 1.3 (Environmental Quality International - EQI) (2003)
Review of a loan portfolio management application
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - CUMIS Plus 6.5 (Micro Software Designs - MSD) (2003)
Review of CUMIS - A software for organizations that provide microfinance services
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - CUBIS 6.09 (Fern Computer Services Ltd.) (2003)
What are the main features of the software CUBIS?
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - SIEM 6.0 (Micro Finance Solutions, Inc. - MFSI) (2003)
Review of software tailored for village banking
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - SIEM Version 5.0 (Soft Corporacion) (2001)
Evaluation of software used to track core information needs, such as loan portfolio and accounting information
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - MicroManager version 2.16g (Software Strategies Ltd. (Kenya)) (2001)
How has CGAP rated the MicroManager Version 2.16g software?
CGAP Information Systems Consumer Report - Loan Performer 6.09 (Crystal Clear Software, Ltd.) (2003)
How does CGAP rate the Loan Performer 6.09 software?
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 5 (Russian) (2004)
What’s new with microinsurance?
Sustaining Microfinance in Post-Tsunami Asia (CGAP Brief) (2005)
How can microfinance institutions be effective in post-tsunami assistance efforts?
Good Practice Guidelines for Funders of Microfinance (Microfinance Consensus Guidelines) (2006)
Guidelines for good practices in microfinance
Format for Appraisal of Network Support Organizations (2004)
A guide to evaluating network support organizations (NSOs) in microfinance
Commercial Banks in Microfinance: New Actors in the Microfinance World (Focus Note No. 12) (1998)
Sustainable microfinance services through commercial banks
Review of Commercial Bank and Other Formal Financial Institution (FFI) Participation in Microfinance (2004)
This document contains a list of 227 formal financial institutions, as identified by CGAP, that have entered the microfinance market or have expressed an interest in doing so.
Thirty Global Examples of Commercial Banks and Formal Financial Institutions (FFIs) with Established Microfinance Services (2004)
This document contains a short list of 30 formal financial institutions, as identified by CGAP, with established microfinance operations.
Microfinance Institutions Moving into Financing for Agriculture (2004)
What do the MFIs need to move into agricultural financing?
Rural Financial Services through State Banks (2004)
Are state banks a better vehicle for expanding financial services to rural poor?
Technology Investment Decisions: 10 Key Questions (2004)
Key questions to be answered before making a technology investment
Eleven Key Principles of Microfinance (Presentation) (2004)
How can donors play an effective role in microfinance?
Determining the Outreach of Senegalese MFIs (2004)
A study of six Senegalese financial institutions to determine the depth of outreach of these institutions.
View All Upcoming Events in Calendar Format by Month Here: (2004)
A reference guide on industry events and happenings.
Scaling up Poverty Reduction: Case Studies in Microfinance (2004)
This document was prepared for Global Learning Process for Scaling Up Poverty Reduction and Conference in Shanghai, May 25-27, 2004
Using microfinance to alleviate poverty
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No. 3 (French) (2004)
April 2004 Version of the French Edition of the CGAP Microinsurance Working Group Newsletter
Global Results: Analysis and Lessons (2004)
This paper highlights current donor challenges and presents recommendations for increased effectiveness in microfinance.
Update on Donor Actions Taken (2004)
This paper provides specific examples of follow-up actions taken by donors to improve their effectiveness.
Summary Matrix (2004)
Recommendations for improvement to individual donor agencies
Key Principles of Microfinance (2004)
Summary of best practices, endorsed by CGAP and group of eight leaders
How Donors Can Help Build Pro-Poor Financial Systems (Donor Brief No. 17) (2004)
Utilizing financial system approach to serve the poor better
Experiments with Point of Sale Technologies Underway in Africa (2004)
African banks seek to increase client access to microfinance by using Point of Sale (POS) devices
Regulation and Supervision of Microfinance (Donor Brief No. 12) (2003)
Summary of issues in microfinance regulation and supervision
Point of Sale for Microfinance: A CGAP Presentation (2004)
Are “Point of Sale Networks” necessary?
CGAP Phase III Strategy (2003-2008) (2003)
How can CGAP best assist its member donors?
Microinsurance: A Risk Management Strategy (Donor Brief No. 16) (2003)
What can donors do to promote microinsurance?
CUBIS 6.09 - Fern Computer Services Ltd. (CGAP Software Reviews 2003) (2003)
CUBIS 6.09 for credit unions
Microfinance and HIV/AIDS (Donor Brief No. 14) (2003)
Can microfinance institutions be effective in a HIV/AIDS crisis?
Dimensions and Dynamics of MFI Competition in Bangladesh (2001)
Issues Facing Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in Bangladesh
Helping to Build a Microfinance Industry (2001)
What role has CGAP played in promoting microfinance?
Microfinance Means Financial Services for the Poor (Donor Brief No. 11) (2003)
Can microfinance be made more sustainable by integrating it with overall financial systems?
The Impact of Microfinance (Donor Brief No. 13) (2003)
How can donors ensure a stronger impact of microfinance?
Banks Entering Underserved Markets - Factors for Success (2004)
How can banks succeed in the microfinance sector?
CGAP 227 FFIs (2004)
A list of 227 formal financial institutions
Diverse 30 FFIs (2004)
Database of CGAP for formal financial institutions
Audit externe des institutions de microfinance Guide pratique (1998)
Credit Components (Donor Brief No. 10) (2003)
How can microfinance funding be improved?
CGAP 2002 Annual Report (2002)
Building financial services for the poor
Focus on Poverty (2000)
What is CGAP’s commitment to poverty alleviation?
CGAP 2003 Annual Report (2003)
Microfinance: The true "financial system for the poor"
Format for Appraisal of Microfinance Institutions: A Handbook (Technical Tool Series No. 04) (1999)
A guide to appraise microfinance institutions
Poverty Assessment Tool (Technical Tool Series No. 05) (2003)
How to assess poverty outreach of microfinance institutions?
Preliminary Donor Guidelines for Supporting Microinsurance (2003)
How can donors be more effective in microinsurance?
Microinsurance: Improving Risk Management for the Poor, No 1 (French) (2003)
August 2003 French Edition of the CGAP Microinsurance Working Group Newsletter
Identifying Good and Bad Practices in Microinsurance: The Development and Dissemination of Practical Guidelines to Expand the Availability of Insurance to the Poor (2003)
This document highlights the knowledge building initiative of CGAP Working Group on Microinsurance.
Microfinance Consensus Guidelines: Definitions of Selected Financial Terms, Ratios, and Adjustments for Microfinance (2003)
A standardization of financial terms, ratios, and methods
The Poverty Audit - Guidelines for Determining the Depth of Outreach and Poverty Impact of Microfinance Institutions (Technical Tool Series No. 04 -- Companion) (2001)
What does a poverty audit measure?
Donor Peer Review 2003: Framework & Terms of Reference (2003)
How to do a peer review?
Update on the Aid Effectiveness Initiative: Microfinance Donor Peer Reviews (2003)
Progress made on donor peer reviews
Assessing the Relative Poverty of Microfinance Clients: A CGAP Operational Tool (2000)
What is the CGAP Appraisal Format and of what importance is it in microfinance assessment?
External Audits of Microfinance Institutions: A Handbook (Technical Tool Series No. 03) (1998)
What is there to know about external auditors and external auditing for the microfinance sector?
Microfinance in Vietnam: A Collaborative Study Based Upon the Experiences of NGOs, UN Agencies and Bilateral Donors (1996)
This document is not available for free download. Please contact the publisher for a copy.How are the schemes of NGOs, UN agencies and bilateral donors performing?
Report of Virtual Meeting: CGAP Working Group Impact Assessment Methodologies (1998)
What are the current issues on impact assessment?
CGAP Guidelines for Content and Presentation of MFI Financial Statements (Technical Tool Series No. 3) (1998)
What should you include when your accounts are audited?
Savings Mobilization Strategies: Lessons From Four Experiences (Focus Note No. 13) (1998)
How can microfinance institutions successfully mobilise savings?
Understanding Audits (1998)
An overview of external audit services
Illustrative Management Letter [For External Audits] (1998)
What are the issues that a management letter addresses?
Illustrative Terms of Reference for a Financial Statement Audit (1998)
Model terms of reference
Illustrative Audit Report and Financial Statements (1998)
An illustrative audit report
Obtaining Audit Evidence: Loan Loss Provisions and Write-offs (1998)
This document provides guidance on testing the adequacy of an MFI's provisions for loan losses
Commissioning the Audit (1998)
Excerpts from a handbook on the auditing of microfinance institutions
Accounting Standards and Auditing Standards (1998)
Introducing accounting and auditing standards and their importance
Analyse comparative des strategies de la mobilisation de l'epargne - Etude des caisses villageoises du pays Dogon, Mali (1998)
Conducting the Audit: A Brief Overview (1998)
CGAP guidelines on conducting a credible audit of an MFI
Developing Deposit Services for the Poor: Preliminary Guidance for Donors (2001)
Should you become involved in savings mobilisation?
Glossary of Standard Financial Terms, Ratios and Adjustments for Microfinance (2002)
Can there be standard definitions and calculation methods for financial indicators used to analyse MFI performance?
Resource Guide to Microfinance Assessments (Focus Note No. 22) (2001)
Assessment and transparency: what linkages in Microfinance?
Apex Institutions in Microfinance (Donor Brief No. 05) (2002)
Why are apex institutions attractive to donors?
Microfinance in Central America and Mexico: Profile and Challenges (2001)
What are the opportunities and challenges facing microfinance?
Microfinance Donor Projects: 12 Questions About Sound Practice (Donor Brief No. 01) (2002)
Why sustainability is important for microfinance institutions?
Microcredit: One of Many Intervention Strategies (Donor Brief No. 02) (2002)
Is microcredit always successful?
Water, Water Everywhere But Not a Drop to Drink (Donor Brief No. 03) (2002)
How could funds to microfinance institutions be allocated more effectively?
Savings are as Important as Credit (Donor Brief No. 04) (2002)
Why and how should donors support savings services?
Financial Transparency: A Glossary of Terms (2001)
A CGAP glossary to simplify the basics of financial transparency
Focus on Financial Transparency: Building the Infrastructure of a Microfinance Industry (2001)
What are the goals of financial transparency in the microfinance industry?
Microfinance Transparency and Reporting to Donors (Donor Brief No. 07) (2002)
What are the benefits of transparency?
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