FinTech in developing countries is generally presumed to be pro-poor, while in wealthier countries there is more skepticism that digital innovations will advance inclusion for the poorest in society. Why is that? What are appropriate expectations of FinTech innovation? Should we be more skeptical of FinTech in countries with large inclusion gaps? Should we be less skeptical of new business models and tech-enabled services in wealthy countries? Join Tim Ogden, Managing Director of the Financial Access Initiative, as we discuss the expectations and potential of FinTech to increase inclusion with an expert panel from around the world.
Featuring:
Lois Bruu, Vice President, Humanitarian & Development at MasterCard
Olayinka David-West, Associate Dean and Professor of Information Systems, Lagos Business School
Timothy Flacke, Executive Director, Commonwealth
Barbara Magnoni, President, EAC Global
Tavneet Suri, Professor of Applied Economics, MIT
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Ten years ago, FAI managing director Tim Ogden published Experimental Conversations, a collection of interviews with economists and other people who critique, promote, and use randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in development economics. One of the interviewees was Michael Kremer, a pioneer of the movement, now a Nobel laureate, and recently appointed Chief Economist of the World Bank.