All Publications
Predominant Cash-In Cash-Out (CICO) Models in India
This study explores the challenges across the entire lifecycle of agents in India, from setting up to reaching sustenance.
Role of Technology in Scaling up the BC Sakhi Network in Uttar Pradesh: A Lesson for Other States
This case study charts how Uttar Pradesh State Rural Livelihoods Mission used technology to strengthen the BC Sakhi (women business correspondent) network in the state in an effort to improve the status of financial inclusion among rural adults.
Women’s Agent Network—the Missing Link in India’s Financial Inclusion Story: A Supply-Side Perspective
The business correspondent model in India enables the banking system to expand its outreach at a low cost and offer essential financial services in remote and underserved areas. This paper share a supply-side perspective on challenges and opportunities for expanding women agent network in India.
Tax Reforms to Increase the Viability of Business Correspondents
This policy note argues that two key taxation issues are hindering the sustainability and attractiveness of the business correspondent model in India and that addressing them could help advance financial inclusion.
Gender and Cash In / Cash Out (CICO) Networks
This slide deck shows how to apply a gender lens to CICO network development and presents case studies that demonstrate how gender-intentional design works in practice.
Impact of COVID-19 on CICO Agents in Indonesia
This study assesses the impact of COVID-19 on the demand for financial services through agents and agent operations. It seeks to understand the ability of agents to support government assistance programs.
State of Agent Banking in Himachal Pradesh
Based on extensive fieldwork spanning approximately 1000 person-days across 301 locations, this report aims to advance the understanding of India's agent banking model. It presents operational practices of the banking agents as well as the financial behavior of rural banking clients.
Agent Network Journeys Toward the Last Mile: A Cross-Country Perspective December 2020
This Focus Note reveals three distinct journeys country stakeholders have taken to extend the reach and quality of rural agent networks in China, Colombia, India, Indonesia, and Kenya.