Paul Polak

Paul Polak is widely considered the father of market-based solutions to poverty. Following a career in psychiatry, he launched International Development Enterprises in 1981; together with his colleagues, he helped 17 million people lift themselves out of poverty. Polak is the co-author with Mal Warwick of "The Business Solution to Poverty: Designing Products and Services for Three Billion New Customers."

Latest Articles

Is microfinance true impact investment?

about 11 years ago // Innovative finance

Did microfinance chase profits at the expense of the poor the industry purports to help? If it has left the social benefits behind, should it not be considered an impact investment? Mal Warwick, Paul DiLeo and Paul Polak share their insights and lessons learned in this exclusive commentary.

What impact investors can learn from microfinance

about 11 years ago // Innovative finance

The signature success of the microfinance industry has been its ability to marshal billions of dollars in capital, much of it from mainstream capital markets, to address the challenge of poverty. This is a huge achievement. But why haven't microfinance institutions had impact on the poor that's commensurate with the capital invested? Mal Warwick, Paul DiLeo and Paul Polak share their answers.

See all articles by Paul Polak