1. SMEs: SMEs in the developing world are sometimes too big to access a microloan but too small to attract major investors or capital. Could crowdfunding offer a solution? InfoDev
2. Microfinance: From Bangladesh to the Hawkeye state - the American Midwest may be microfinance's newest frontier. The Guardian
3. U.S. Economy: Five facts on income inequality in the US. Pew Research
4. Payments: Is Ripple the next Bitcoin or just more crypto-currency hype? Entrepreneur
5. Economics: Game theory meets the politics of the potluck. McSweeney's
Source: BBC

Editor's Note:
If you were hoping that the faiV would be a pleasant distraction from the overwhelming flow of AI-related content, sorry. For the record, the faiV had “ai” built in before Anthropic existed. And a housekeeping note: we’ve finally jumped ship from Mailchimp to NYU’s mailing platform—I guess if you’re reading this it’s been a seamless transition and if you’re not, well, you’re not. Feedback on the faiV’s content and format and delivery methods is always welcome, just drop me an email.
- Tim Ogden