Exploring the Impact of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) on Intermediation Market Structure in the Microfinance Industry
نویسندگان
چکیده
The microfinance industry provides financial services to the world’s poor in hopes of moving individuals and families out of poverty. In 2013 there were 4.7 million active microfinance borrowers in Africa. This represents a smaller percentage of the population compared to other regions of the world, indicating the potential for rapid growth of microfinance in Africa. However, microfinance is maturing in part due to the adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs). This research examines how ICTs are changing the microfinance industry given recent advancements in mobile banking, Internet usage, and connectivity. By examining the microfinance market structure, we determine that ICTs impact intermediation and market structure among various players in the microfinance industry. We use recent industry risk reports from 2011 through 2014 to inform our predictions of changes to the intermediation structure of the industry. We give particular attention to the impact of ICT on microfinance in Africa.
منابع مشابه
ICT Infrastructure Framework for Microfinance Institutions and Banks in Pakistan: An Optimized Approach
Information and communication technology (ICT) can be termed as a reagent for the microfinance sector. It has contributed significantly for the growth of this sector, which is clearly depicted from the reviewed literature as well as the market evaluation. The paper analyzes the impact of technological advancements within the microfinance industry from academic as well as practitioner’s point of...
متن کاملThe Role and Impact of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) in Microfinance
Microfinance services available to the poorest people, especially investment loans for micro-business development, are recognized as an important part of poverty reduction strategies. As the industry matures, MFIs face a competitive environment, forcing them to balance the goals of outreach and sustainability. However, in spite of its successes, microfinance has not been able to reach to the po...
متن کاملDesign and Explanation of Measuring Model for the Impacts of Information Communication Technology on Sustainable Development
This study seeks to recognize the impact of ICT development and its role in improving sustainable development indices for Iran. The role of sustainable development and ICT in various fields has been initially undertaken. Then, validated models of ICT impacts were introduced. Subsequently, the related studies in these areas were reviewed and analyzed. Next, the ICT impacts on the main dimensions...
متن کاملICT Impact on the Labor Productivity in the Iranian Manufacturing Industries; a Multilevel Analysis
It is now evident in the literature that the information and communication technology (ICT) has a positive and significant impact on the productivity and economic growth. Most studies in this area, however, are limited to the developed countries. Given different regulations and economic conditions, and also an increasing trend in allocating resources to ICT in developing countries, it is import...
متن کاملA Study of the Impact of Information & Communication Technology on Energy Consumption Intensity in Iran (A Provincial Approach)
In todaychr('39')s world, given limited fossil fuel resources and growing population, it is imperative to consider energy efficiency. In this regard, due to the spread of information and communication technology, using its capabilities to reduce energy consumption & intensity is worth consideration. In this study we assess the effect of Information and communications technology on energy inten...
متن کامل