IFC and KMF to Help Micro and Small Entrepreneurs in Kazakhstan Weather the Impact of COVID-19
Micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in Kazakhstan stand to benefit from a new investment which aims to help businesses recover from the economic shock of the COVID-19 pandemic, resume operations, and adapt to the post-crisis environment.
Vietnam: Virtual Events Scheduled to Mark Cashless Day
Data from the State Bank of Vietnam shows that the number of non-cash transactions has been on a rise in Vietnam during the pandemic.
Thai Household Debt Skyrockets from Credit Cards, Loans and Car Loans
The Bank of Thailand has been asked to review the ceiling of interest rates and supervise credit cards, personal loans and car loans, as the Thai government has vowed to tackle high household debt, incurred by credit card and personal loans.
El Salvador Bitcoin Transfers Soar, but Still a Fraction of Dollar Remittances
Small transfers of bitcoin to El Salvador jumped over four-fold in May from a year ago but still represent a small amount when compared to remittances sent in dollars.
State Bank of Pakistan Policy to Enhance Financial Inclusion of Persons With Disabilities
The new policy aims at financial independence for people with disabilities by improving their access to banking services as well as providing opportunities to contribute as bank employees.
World Bank Approves $450 Million Loan to Help Morocco Improve Access to Financial Services
The financing is part of a program that supports policy measures to enable the rollout of the country’s social protection program, including the creation of digital IDs and cashless payments as part of cash transfer programs.
Egypt Eyes Surge in Fintech Investment After New Laws
New legislation and regulatory changes in Egypt are set to unleash a surge in new fintech investments and change the way the country’s largely unbanked citizens do business, industry players say.
Philippines: Microfinance, Micro-entrepreneurs to Gain From National ID System
The system's online authentication and e-KYC will enable a more seamless digital onboarding, making it easier for clients to open an account.
Former Hong Kong Bourse Chief LI Plans New Microfinance Platform in 2021
Li told Reuters in an interview that in “traditional finance” investing in SMEs was rarely worthwhile for global institutions as the due diligence was difficult, risks were high and funding amounts small.
WB Approves $200M to Help Poor Urban Youths, Migrant Returnees
The Recovery and Advancement of Informal Sector Employment project will help about 175,000 poor urban youths and low-income microentrepreneurs enhance employability and productivity.