This paper studies the relation between board size and composition and cost savings (scope economies) from combining savings mobilization and lending by Microfinance Institutions. The findings support the hypothesis that employee representation on the board is associated with positive scope...

We extend a recently developed generalized local polynomial estimator into a semiparametric smooth coefficient framework to estimate a generalized cost function. The advantage of the generalized local polynomial approach is that we can simultaneously choose the degree of polynomial for each...

The performance, management, and risk exposure of financial institutions operating in rural and agricultural markets determine the cost of agriculture’s ongoing access to financial capital. The evolution of general banking and agricultural finance research contributions in the structure,...

The performance, management, and risk exposure of financial institutions operating in rural and agricultural markets determine the cost of agriculture’s ongoing access to financial capital. The evolution of general banking and agricultural finance research contributions in the structure,...

At present, many microfinance institutions (MFIs) not only lend but also collect savings to serve better the needs of the poor. Little is known, however, if MFIs' overall costs decrease or increase as a consequence, nor it is clear which MFIs may benefit the most from expansion into savings...