The Wasil Foundation, a Pakistan-based microfinance institution, won the Islamic Microfinance Challenge, a global contest to identify innovative Sharia-compliant financial products. Wasil won the $100,000 grant award for its package of products aimed specifically at smallholder farmers.
To view the Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/players/English/7065951-cgap-2013-islamic-microfinance-challenge-winner-the-wasil-foundation/
With an estimated 1.2 billion young people between the ages of 15 and 24, the vast majority of them living in developing countries, youth are both a policy and political priority for many countries around the world. These numbers represent major development challenges, but also great opportunity.
Youth are particularly vulnerable to economic problems. They often do not have access to savings accounts, credit, or insurance due to lack of education and employment. Governments are aware of this and many are working to make it easier for young people to access financial services so they can transition smoothly into adulthood.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/56883-cgap-changing-mindsets-on-youth-opportunity-and-financial-services
CGAP recently conducted a study of 426 Mexican households with income below $1,440 per month in an effort to better understand the financial habits, needs and wants of low-income customers. The nationally representative survey helped segment customers into six groups with common needs and behavior towards financial services. The study highlights in particular four lower-income groups – those living on US$4-10 per day (seasonal workers), US$10 per day (entrepreneurs), US$15 per day (informal salaried/wage workers) and US$12 per day (formal salaried workers) – and found that even across these income segments, households’ financial concerns and aspirations were similar.
To view Multimedia News Release, go to http://www.multivu.com/mnr/50762-cgap-analysis-low-income-households-in-mexico-matches-financial-products
