CGAP

03/30/2026

Development finance institutions (DFIs) are uniquely positioned to lead on climate adaptation and resilience finance, particularly through financial sector investments. Why are they not yet playing that role?

Learn more in our latest blog: https://cgap.pub/486RdFd

03/27/2026

Financial inclusion and financial integrity are not competing interests, but mutually reinforcing goals.

While the systemic impact of anti-money laundering and combating the financing of terrorism and proliferation (AML/CFT) standards has been difficult to measure and illicit flows persist, the path forward lies in "proportionality"—using risk-based approaches that enhance security without creating unnecessary barriers for the unbanked.

By designing systems that prioritize effectiveness over mere box-ticking, policymakers can better protect consumers and bring more activity into regulated, transparent channels.

Learn more in our latest blog: https://cgap.pub/4uUfDvo

03/25/2026

Women are central to India's future. But even as India's financial system has expanded dramatically, women remain on the margins of meaningful financial engagement. 👭🏽🇮🇳

What will it take for finance to truly serve women's lives?

Our new video breaks down three powerful levers for change: better data, digital systems women can trust, and stronger asset ownership. Together, they can turn into real economic empowerment for women across .

Watch now 👇

03/20/2026

In fragile states, often remain inaccessible to people who need them most 📉

Our research shows that funders can play a critical role in building inclusive, resilient financial markets in fragile countries by:

Leveraging humanitarian cash transfers 💰
Understanding informal financial services 💵
Improving local market support 🤝

Find out more 👇🏽

03/19/2026

Big banks are leading ’s climate finance, but adaptation must reach the front lines to be effective.

For true inclusivity, climate capital must flow through local financial service providers ( ) that serve the communities most at risk.

Read the blog to learn more: https://bit.ly/3Phw6cY

03/18/2026

77% of women globally now hold a financial account, but in many low- and middle-income countries, women are still up to 30 percentage points less likely to own one than men. The gender gap is real. So how do we close it?

In our latest podcast episode, we explore how Rwanda is leading the way — using gender-disaggregated data to design smarter policies and financial products that truly serve women.

We hear from:
✅ Dr. Moise Bigirimana, Director of Financial Sector Development and Inclusion, National Bank of Rwanda
✅ Michelle Gacinya, Strategy Lead W-MSME, Bank of Kigali
✅ Sabrina Mutangana, Skincare business owner in Rwanda

Tune in to learn how better data can build a more inclusive financial system for women: https://bit.ly/3NIZDf5

03/17/2026

Can the networks that deliver social protection also deliver inclusive insurance — and what makes that work?

This case study draws on UN Capital Development Fund experience in to explore the effectiveness of social protection networks as a distribution channel and the role of subsidies. It reveals three conditions are needed for success: strong policy backing, long-standing UNCDF engagement, and existing social protection networks.

While some elements are context-specific, several lessons are transferable to other markets: the need for operational efficiency, the importance of subsidy design (including tax levers), and the necessity to determine viable approaches to premium financing.
This is the first case study in a series on scaling inclusive insurance while ensuring populations vulnerable to risk - particularly women - are meaningfully covered. Stay tuned!

Read the paper: https://bit.ly/4bNr0Oh

03/16/2026

As ecosystems expand and AI-powered tools become more sophisticated, Personal Finance Management (PFM) apps are emerging as a potential driver of improved in .

By aggregating data across accounts, creating a 360-degree view of the customer’s financial life, and leveraging to generate real-time insights, these tools promise to move beyond static budgeting toward more personalized and proactive financial advice.

But how are they translating this potential into meaningful for users? Read more in our latest blog: https://cgap.pub/4lsOb3z

03/13/2026

🌱 Rural women are at the frontline of climate-exposed agrifood systems—but often under-served by finance and tech.

Join CGAP, IDH & Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) on March 24 for a webinar on empowering women smallholder farmers to build climate resilience through financial and non-financial support.

🔗 Register: https://cgap.pub/4s3ueCW

03/12/2026

With one in seven people globally facing financial strain from out-of-pocket health spending, can help reduce out-of-pocket expenditure and support universal health coverage objectives.

As countries pursue under real constraints, the question is no longer whether commercial has a role in advancing UHC — but under what conditions it can expand access, affordability & financial protection.

Learn more: https://cgap.pub/4lr1fqm

03/11/2026

Stablecoins now have 200 million holders worldwide and a $300 billion market. But what does this mean for financial inclusion?

CGAP experts Ivo Jenik and Sonia Arenaza break down how stablecoins are increasingly transforming cross-border remittances and payment systems for underserved populations. In this video, you'll learn what stablecoins are, how different types work, and why models like the "stablecoin sandwich" are making settlement more efficient.

The opportunity is clear: lower costs, faster settlement, and 24/7 availability. But so are the risks: fragmentation, regulatory gaps, and consumer protection challenges that policymakers and providers need to navigate carefully.

Whether you're exploring blockchain solutions or shaping digital finance policy, this explainer cuts through the complexity.

Watch now 👉 https://youtu.be/o8v75JX2coA?si=2CZwZ4gDDd4iJ1oQ

Stablecoins are digital assets designed to maintain stable value, typically by pe***ng to stable underlying assets like the U.S. dollar. With a current marke...

03/10/2026

For young women with irregular incomes and limited buffers, savings—rather than credit—is the preferred way to build assets and manage uncertainty.

Designing savings products that fit young women’s realities can help build their assets, businesses, and transaction histories, and create valuable long-term customers for financial service providers.

Designing for accumulation first may be one of the most effective ways to unlock young women’s financial potential—and the broader promise of .

Read more: https://cgap.pub/4rbJkoE