The risks and benefits of mobile apps for financial inclusion
Industry Information

The risks and benefits of mobile apps for financial inclusion

Mobile apps have become a powerful tool for advancing financial inclusion, bringing credit, savings, and payment services closer to underserved populations. By lowering barriers to access and simplifying user experiences, they enable more people to participate in the financial system. However, this rapid expansion also introduces risks, including data privacy concerns, over-indebtedness, and the rise of unregulated or predatory platforms. Understanding both the opportunities and the challenges is essential for building solutions that are not only accessible, but also safe and sustainable.

A cultural view of loan defaults in Kenya
Industry Information

A cultural view of loan defaults in Kenya

Executive summary  From 2019 to 2024, Kenya experienced a steady rise in personal and consumer loan defaults, driven not just by economic challenges, but deeply rooted cultural behaviors, social expectations, and shifting attitudes towards debt. While formal banks, microfinance institutions, and mobile lenders expanded access to credit, repayment struggles mirrored longstanding cultural and communal dynamics. […]

How to get started as a lender in South Africa
Growth marketing

How to get started as a lender in South Africa

Thabo noticed a troubling pattern in his community. People were stuck in a relentless cycle of debt, borrowing from mashonisas (Local name for unregistered lenders) ) at crippling interest rates. Despite their sky-high fees, the residents had little choice. Formal credit options were scarce, and when cash ran low, shady lenders seemed to be the […]