Many poor households lack access to financial markets and services, which limits their ability to undertake higher return production strategies. This project seeks to improve access for the poor by identifying mechanisms that create incomplete access, which innovations are effective at expanding access, and finally in looking at the welfare implications of expanded financial services. Researchers will use experimental methods to test various types of interventions and assess their effect on financial access for the poor.

The findings from this research will inform policy makers on the effect of financial market regulations on the access the poor have to financial services. It will also help financial service provider refine their selection criteria, loan terms, and other policies in ways that will help the profitably expand access to households that are currently excluded from the market.