1. Remittances: Why have such rapid increases in remittances not resulted in noticeable improvements in economic growth in the recipient countries? Michael Clemens and David McKenzie investigate possible answers in a new working paper. The World Bank - Development Impact Blog
2. Poverty in the US: Over the past 30 years, government spending on the poorest Americans dwindled - those living far below the poverty line now receive less government assistance than they did in 1983 and spending has shifted to the relatively more well-off. Slate
3. Cash Transfers: After receiving $150, five days of training, and intensive supervision, ultra-poor women in Uganda doubled their business ownership and their incomes, according to a newly published study. Chrisblattman.com
4. Financial Services: "India Post, the world’s largest postal network, may become India’s first 'payment bank,' a new classification of bank which will offer payment, savings and remittance services to customers but not loans." The Wall Street Journal
5. Microfinance Regulation: The history of regulation and deregulation of the US financial sector could provide useful insights for microfinance in promoting a balance between financial inclusion and stability. European Microfinance Platform
Editor’s Note: I’m going to assume that you are seeing plenty of AI content (news and papers, not AI slop, though I’m sure you’re getting plenty of that too) from other sources, so I’m trying to think hard about the marginal value that the faiV can provide. As far as I’ve gotten so far: a) make sure that directly AI-related content does not take up more than 2 of the 5 items, and b) try to focus specifically on the cybersecurity issue for financial inclusion. Beyond that, I’m open to feedback on the value you get from the faiV in relation to AI to help guide us in the future. On a different note, I’ll be making a brief cameo appearance at the e-MFP Inclusive Finance Conference to moderate the opening plenary. If you haven’t registered, do so and I hope to see you there! - Tim Ogden