Centre for Micro Finance at IFMR Research

The Centre for Micro Finance aims to improve the accessibility and quality of financial services for the poor through rigorous research, knowledge dissemination and evidence-based policy outreach.

Despite unprecedented financial inclusion efforts over the last decade, close to 40% of the adult population in India still does not have a bank account and lacks access to the basic suite of financial services that the developed parts of the World take for granted. Further, critical gaps remain in our understanding of how and what forms of financial access can be best used to fight poverty.

Since 2005, the Centre for Micro Finance (CMF) has been filling in these knowledge gaps through rigorous research, knowledge dissemination and policy advocacy. CMF undertakes qualitative and quantitative research in four broad areas: Brief Memo detailing the four areas]

• Financial Inclusion
• Livelihoods
• Social Objectives
• Policy and Regulation

Most of our research projects entail the collection of primary data via survey instruments. Once CMF data sets are cleaned and analyzed they are made publicly available online and can be accessible via the Resources page. Resultant publications from CMF studies take the form of academic working papers, more concise policy memos or newsletter articles. Our studies are also leveraged to design well-attended Courses and Workshops as well to engage with practitioners and policymakers during our Conferences and Seminars. CMF’s work has been featured in The Economist, New York Times, Le Monde and many other globally renowned publications. You can also stay up to date on CMF via iTunes, Twitter and Facebook.

Check out our Brochure as well as the comprehensive Five Year CMF Research Report