Various types of microfinance institutions are helping underserved populations around the world gain access to financial services and resources. These institutions — including commercial banks, credit unions, sectors of government banks, cooperatives, and nongovernmental organizations — provide a range of services and can operate using different models, such as for-profit versus nonprofit.
Some are involved in the direct provision of savings and insurance initiatives, small loans, and financial training. Others focus on the research and data of financial inclusion, advocating for better standards while developing solutions and digital innovations.
We looked at some of the nonprofits working in microfinance, both those working directly with communities on the ground and those supporting these activities through partnerships, advocacy, and information sharing.