Microfinance: A Critical Literature Survey

Abstract

This paper offers a critical survey of the microfinance literature of the past 10 years. It reviews studies on the effectiveness of different microfinance techniques and offers a critical assessment of the impact literature of microfinance. The literature so far suggests moderate but not transformative effects of microcredit, with effects being conditional on individuals’ characteristics. The effects of micro-savings interventions seem more promising, while micro-insurance interventions suffer mostly from limited take-up. The biggest impact seems to come from expanding payment services. The paper discusses these findings in the broader context of the financial development literature and touches on methodological issues and regulatory challenges.

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