Harvard Business Review

MARCH 8, 2011

On this 100th International Women's Day , it is right to reflect on how women have become the heart of the microfinance industry. It is easy to forget that the initial motivation for microfinance roughly 30 years ago was, to a great extent, gender neutral. Microfinance is about much more than extending credit.

Microfinance 15

Microfinance Banking Globalization Insurance 15

Harvard Business Review

JUNE 13, 2012

But even more so, I believe that deep down, managers and executives feel that getting by on razor-thin margins is the morally correct way to do business among the poor. The microfinance industry is a rare D and E success story. Given its flaws, I've often wondered why the low-price, low-margin philosophy has persisted.

Microfinance 14

Microfinance Prahalad Bottom-up Banking 14

Harvard Business Review

MARCH 17, 2014

An estimated 250 funds are actively raising capital in a market that the Global Impact Investing Network estimates at $25 billion. Impact investing has captured the world’s imagination. Just six years after the Rockefeller Foundation coined the term, the sector is booming. To make sense of this kaleidoscope, three things need to happen.

Development 9

Development Microfinance Biotechnology Exit Strategy 9