Microfinance Fundamentals: Models & Financial Inclusion

Master the basics of microfinance, explore global case studies, and discover how small loans create big change.

What you'll learn

Explain the core principles of microfinance and its role in global financial inclusion.

Compare different microfinance models like SHGs, cooperatives, MFIs, and digital finance.

Analyze the impact of microfinance using SDG alignment, social metrics, and case studies.

Design a microfinance solution through a guided course project based on real-world scenarios.

Requirements

No prior experience in finance or development is needed – this course is designed for beginners and professionals alike.

A curiosity to learn how small loans and savings can create global impact.

Description

Learn Microfinance from the Ground Up — Models, Impact, and Innovations That Drive Financial Inclusion GloballyMicrofinance is no longer just about microloans — it's a powerful engine for poverty reduction, gender empowerment, and financial inclusion across the world. Whether you're a banking professional, development consultant, social entrepreneur, or impact investor, this course offers a complete, global, and practical introduction to the world of microfinance.You'll also dive deep into core financial instruments, delivery models, performance metrics, and real-world case studies from South Asia, Africa, Latin America, and beyond.What You'll LearnWhat is microfinance and why it matters in today’s worldKey models: group lending, individual lending, social collateral, digital financeCore products: microcredit, microsavings, microinsurance, pensionsHow to measure microfinance impact (SDGs, RCTs, SPMs)Global players: CGAP, Accion, MIX, FINCA, and moreCountry models: India, Bangladesh, Kenya, Mexico, Philippines, U.S., etc.Fintech, AI, and the future of inclusive financeCourse Structure Evolution of Microfinance – A Global PerspectiveExplore the origins, growth, and global significance of microfinance institutions (MFIs).Core Principles & ConceptsBreak down key terms, lending models, and trust-based systems that drive microfinance.Microfinance Instruments & ServicesDiscover product offerings, delivery channels like SHGs and cooperatives, and the role of digital transformation.Measuring Impact & RiskLearn how to assess poverty outreach, performance, client protection, and regulatory challenges.Country & Regional ModelsCompare how microfinance looks and works across continents — with real-world examples.Case Studies & InnovationsGo deeper into case studies like Grameen, M-PESA, Kiva, SEWA Bank, and more.The Future of MicrofinanceSee how fintech, green finance, Islamic finance, and inclusive finance are reshaping the sector. Who This Course Is ForBanking, credit, and financial services professionalsSocial entrepreneurs and impact finance consultantsDevelopment studies, public policy, and MBA students Anyone curious about global financial inclusion and innovationEnroll today and gain a globally-relevant foundation in microfinance, inclusive finance, and sustainable development. Whether you're building a career in banking or launching a social impact venture, this course will equip you with the insights, models, and tools to make a difference.

Overview

Section 1: Introduction

Lecture 1 Course Overview & Learning Outcomes

Lecture 2 Instructor Introduction

Lecture 3 What is Microfinance and Why It Matters

Lecture 4 Course Project and How to Make the Most of This Course

Section 2: Evolution of Microfinance – A Global Perspective

Lecture 5 Origins of Microfinance (Bangladesh, Grameen Bank, Muhammad Yunus)

Lecture 6 Global Growth of Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)

Lecture 7 Microfinance and the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals)

Lecture 8 Key Organizations: CGAP, MIX, Accion, FINCA, and more

Section 3: Core Principles & Concepts

Lecture 9 Microcredit, Microsavings, and Microinsurance

Lecture 10 Group Lending vs. Individual Lending Models

Lecture 11 Social Collateral and Trust-Based Lending

Lecture 12 Interest Rates in Microfinance – Ethics and Economics

Section 4: Microfinance Instruments and Services

Lecture 13 Types of Microfinance Products (Credit, Savings, Insurance, Pensions)

Lecture 14 Delivery Models (SHGs, Cooperatives, MFIs, Digital Finance)

Lecture 15 Technology in Microfinance (Mobile Money, Digital Lending)

Section 5: Measuring Impact & Risk

Lecture 16 Social Performance Metrics & Poverty Outreach

Lecture 17 Client Protection Principles

Lecture 18 Impact Evaluation Methods (RCTs, SPMs)

Lecture 19 Risks and Challenges in Microfinance (Over-indebtedness, Regulatory Risks)

Lecture 20 Credit Bureaus in Microfinance – Transparency, Risk & Inclusion

Section 6: Country & Regional Models of Microfinance

Lecture 21 South Asia (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan)

Lecture 22 Sub-Saharan Africa (Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda)

Lecture 23 Latin America (Bolivia, Peru, Mexico)

Lecture 24 Southeast Asia (Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam)

Lecture 25 Developed World Models (U.S. and Europe – Microenterprise Lending)

Section 7: Case Studies & Innovations

Lecture 26 Grameen Bank (Bangladesh)

Lecture 27 SEWA Bank – India’s Women-Led Microfinance Pioneer

Lecture 28 M-PESA and Mobile Lending (Kenya)

Lecture 29 Kiva’s Peer-to-Peer Lending Platform

Lecture 30 Opportunity International & FINCA

Section 8: Future of Microfinance

Lecture 31 Fintech Integration & AI in Microfinance

Lecture 32 Green Microfinance & Climate Resilience

Lecture 33 Islamic Microfinance – Principles & Applications

Lecture 34 Inclusive Finance vs. Microfinance – A Broader Look

Section 9: Capstone Project

Students and professionals in banking, finance, economics, or development studies,Aspiring professionals planning a career in microfinance institutions (MFIs), credit bureaus, or financial inclusion initiatives,NGO workers, impact investors, and policy makers exploring inclusive finance models,Social entrepreneurs and fintech innovators building solutions for underserved communities,Anyone curious about how microfinance empowers people and transforms lives