CGAP

Three out of four adults in low- and middle-income countries now have access to formal financial accounts. But 1.3 billion remain unbanked, 4 billion are uninsured or underinsured, and many remain financially vulnerable.

We are at the threshold of a new wave of inclusive finance. The future of financial inclusion depends on timely, forward-looking policy as much as technology. Financial services are becoming ubiquitous, modular, and embedded in everyday platforms and apps. This offers transformative promise, but also new risks.

Policy choices made today—on data governance, AI, payment infrastructure, and institutional capacity—will determine whether this wave becomes a force for shared prosperity or deepens existing divides.

CGAP's latest research presents a policy roadmap for navigating this wave of technological change, outlining six key priorities for financial sector authorities. Read the paper here: https://cgap.pub/4e9OjTy

This week, CGAP's Council of Governors gathers to chart the next chapter of inclusive finance. As we look ahead, we're also looking back at 30 years of turning evidence into impact.

For three decades, CGAP has evolved in response to new technologies, changing financial systems, crises, and growing awareness of financial inclusion's transformative power. From proving microfinance works to advancing digital finance to positioning inclusive finance as an enabler of development outcomes such as food security, climate resilience, and women's economic empowerment.

Our new video traces CGAP's journey across seven strategy cycles—showing how an innovation lab adapts while staying true to its mission.

Watch to learn more 👇