Platforms, Livelihoods, and Inclusive Finance

Platforms provide critical employment opportunities for many underserved populations and are increasingly interconnected with financial services. To advance financial inclusion and support development goals, however, platforms must focus on the unique digital, financial, and livelihood needs of micro and small enterprises. This publication provides an overview of the increasing interconnectedness of platforms and financial service offerings, how platforms can push the frontiers of inclusive finance, how platforms support women, and what is needed from policymakers for platforms to serve broader development goals.

The audience of this report includes policymakers, platform leaders, donors, international development actors, and anyone interested in the potential for financial services and/or platforms to improve livelihoods.