4.0

credits

Average Course Rating

"There are 3 billion people around the world that are left out of the formal financial system. The financial excluded, many of whom are low-income, do not have access to the products they need to live stable lives and take advantage of opportunities. They may not have access to a secure savings account, credit to build their business or insurance in the case of a health emergency. The delivery of quality financial services (loans, savings, insurance, money transfers) at affordable costs to all segments of society is, accordingly, an important policy goal in closing the income gap and improving quality of life. Over the years, both this topic has shifted from “microcredit” to “microfinance” to now a broader focus on “financial inclusion.” We will discuss the origins and evolution of this industry, moving from covering key players (Clients, Operators, Investors and Policy-Makers) to core trends, and key questions, driving the future of financial inclusion (including Fintech, Financial Health and Data). We will hear from several guest lecturers who are experts within their fields and bring first-hand experience in a range of topics - from managing a scaled operation to offering digital products to assessing investments from a VC perspective. Course assignments are intended to teach practical skills and critical thinking about financial systems and the unbanked, designing products for the poor, managing financial services or “fintech” businesses, and major debates about impact, commercialization, and future trends. For any student interested in deepening their understanding of Financial Inclusion or with an interest in social enterprise, to which Microfinance was a precursor in many ways, this is the course for you. The course is complementary to SA.400.724.01 Impact Investing in Emerging Markets, offered in the Spring. <a href="http://bit.ly/1bebp5s" target="_blank">Click here to see evaluations, syllabi, and faculty bios</a>