Microfinance as the best way of tackling poverty is under attack. It has been accused of failing to help the poor, of treating its clients badly, of charging high interest rates and of encouraging poor people to take on excessive debt burdens. The authors examine these issues, and find that...

An introduction to microfinance -- Microfinancial services and poor people -- Microfinance and poverty reduction -- Microfinance, gender, and social development -- Microfinance: innovations in product delivery -- Microinsurance -- Regulating and supervising microfinance institutions -- Impact...