The new microfinance handbook

The New Microfinance Handbook reflects the current frontier of our collective thinking and experience. It starts with the need to understand the demand side. Poor households in the informal economy are producers and consumers. They need access to the full range of financial services to generate income, build assets, smooth consumption, and manage risks. The global financial inclusion agenda recognizes these broader needs. It also recognizes the importance of financial literacy that builds consumer financial capabilities and of consumer protection regimes that take into account the conditions and constraints of poor families in the informal economy.