Major investments have been made in developing microfinance in Asia with reducing poverty as one of the frequently stated objectives. A variety of institutional forms of microfinance are being introduced in the region - including by the ADB - and financial institutions pursue different...

This working paper is being published with the sole objective of contributing to the debate of a topic of importance to the region, and to elicit comments and suggestions from interested parties.

Using numerical approximations of infinite-horizon, dynamic, stochastic models of farm-household behavior, we investigate the influence of several dimensions of financial development in overcoming poverty traps, through the sustained adoption of advanced production technologies. We explore...

This paper provides an overview of the microfinance industry in developing countries. It highlights the early development of the concept of microfinance and identifies some of the key issues and debates concerning its performance in terms of outreach, sustainability, and impact. Studies are...

This paper provides an overview of the microfinance industry in developing countries. It highlights the early development of the concept of microfinance and identifies some of the key issues and debates concerning its performance in terms of outreach, sustainability, and impact. Studies are...