Simple solutions to growth that bring opportunities

Being a data bank and data rich organization, M-CRIL undertakes research in the areas of financial services and advocacy. These areas are backed by professionals with financial management, economics and social sciences expertise.

Research holds an integral part of M-CRIL’s commitment to the microfinance sector. Working with development finance institutions like co-operatives, rural banks and other intermediaries has opened new avenues for systematic research which M-CRIL undertakes on a regular basis.

Advocacy as part of the research and knowledge center of microfinance information considered as a high priority by M-CRIL. Being a part of a number of national and international groups, M-CRIL has been able to influence policy and regulations affecting the microfinance sector. Sanjay Sinha, founder and Managing Director of M-CRIL has been a Member, of the UN Advisors Group on Inclusive Financial Sectors formed in 2006 to advise the United Nations system and member states on global issues of inclusive finance.

Research studies highlight that access to financial services like credit, savings and insurance is important for low income people and businesses to generate income, manage cash flows and protect against risk. Despite the positive developments in the area of financial inclusion, many poor and low-income people and micro and small enterprises lack access to a broad range of financial products and services on a sustainable basis.

Key research and advocacy activities:

1. Micro-insurance regulation in the Indian financial landscape, IDRC-CRDI, GTZ, One World, FinMark Trust, IAIS, ILO and CGAP Working group of Microinsurance

2. Rating of DCCBs – Impact study of reforms on financial inclusion in the rural banking system in India