In Episode 14 of the Making Finance Work for Women podcast, we’re exploring the cutting edge of fintech, where innovation meets inclusion. We’ll unpack the gender gap among fintech founders, delve into how emerging technologies like AI are reshaping the industry, and tackle the crucial issues of privacy, trust, and financial health. Our guest, Nicole Casperson, is a visionary leader in fintech, championing the integration of women at the forefront of this digital revolution. Join us as we...

In Episode 13 of the Making Finance Work for Women podcast, we explore the groundbreaking Global Gender-Smart Fund (GGSF) with Ruurd Brouwer, Board Chair of GGSF and CEO of TCX. Discover Ruurd's journey into gender-lens investing and learn about the innovative fund designed to achieve $700 million in assets by 2026. We'll delve into the critical role of public-private partnerships, the interplay with policy, and how this fund aims to address the $1.7 trillion gender gap. Don't miss this...

In Episode 12 of the Making Finance Work for Women podcast, we dive into the transformative potential of Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and their implications for women worldwide. With over 120 CBDC pilots and projects currently in development, these digital currencies promise to revolutionize financial inclusion. Host Sonja Kelly (EVP, Research & Advocacy, Women's World Banking) and guest Sara Elinson (Partner, EY) examine the opportunities CBDCs present for bringing more women...

In Episode 11 of the Making Finance Work for Women podcast, we discuss integrating a gendered perspective into financial consumer protection. With nearly one billion women entering the formal financial system, it's crucial to protect their rights. Our guest, Jo Ann Barefoot, CEO and Co-founder of the Alliance for Innovative Regulatio (AIR), joins us to explore strategies for inclusion, balancing innovation and inclusion, and the importance of financial consumer protection regulation. Tune in...

In episode 10 of The Making Finance Work for Women Podcast, we delve into the intersection of climate change and digital financial inclusion with a prominent African women’s right advocate, Dr. Jennifer Riria (President and CEO, Echo Network Africa Foundation). Her journey provides unique insights into the urgent need for innovative solutions to combat climate change while fostering financial inclusion, especially for women. The initiatives discussed will unveil the crucial role of digital...

In episode 9 of The Making Finance Work for Women Podcast, we embark on a compelling exploration of the evolution of fintech, recognizing the pivotal yet underrepresented role of women leaders in this burgeoning industry. As fintech matures, it is crucial to acknowledge the responsibility that accompanies its growth. Our guest, a prominent figure in regulatory and policy circles, has been instrumental in fostering innovation within the sector. Beyond her regulatory expertise, she serves as a...

In episode 8 of Making Finance Work for Women, we embark into the world of cryptocurrency. Ever wondered about he true potential of crypto as a game-changer for financial inclusion? This episode explores the promises and pitfalls, inviting you to grapple with the skepticism surrounding this revolutionary technology. Picture a decentralized financial landscape, but also consider the challenges, from wild market swings to a literacy gap among users. As you listen, ponder the burning question:...

Women’s World Banking’s Sonja Kelly and the World Bank’s Leora Klapper highlight tangible progress achieved by outstanding players, from fintechs to regulators, across the globe. To close out the episode, they deliver an insider’s forecast on what the finance ecosystem can anticipate and what’s worth keeping an eye on in 2024 regarding financial inclusion.

This episode delves into the pivotal role of physical touchpoints in the digital age, exploring their significance in engaging women customers and enhancing their financial inclusion. This topic has particular relevance to financial sector supervisors as technology changes access for vulnerable customers. Sonja Kelly (Global Vice President, Research & Advocacy, Women's World Banking) and Simone di Castri, PhD (Co-Head & Co-Founder, Cambridge Suptech Labs) discuss the intersection of...

This episode explores the potential of a gender-focused investment strategy and its viability as an entry point into ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) investing, specifically through the “S.” We will uncoverstrategies for effectively measuring the impact and scope of gender lens investing. Additionally, Sonja Kelly (Global Vice President, Research & Advocacy, Women's World Banking) and Ivan Chew, CFA  (Director of Impact, BrightLight Group) discuss the transformative potential...

In this episode, we shed light on the often-overlooked connection between finance and displacement, exploring how women are disproportionately affected by economic crises, global conflicts, and more. Drawing from Women’s World Banking’s groundbreaking research conducted in Ukraine, thanks to the support of MetLife Foundation, we unravel the challenges that women worldwide face in maintaining financial stability during times of displacement. Join Sonja Kelly (Global Vice President, Research...

We know usage of mobile internet is not keeping pace with connectivity. Host Sonja Kelly (Global Vice President, Research & Advocacy, Women's World Banking) and guest Aniqa Sandhu (CEO, Digital Financial Services, Digicel Group) spotlight the role of mobile network companies in driving women’s usage of mobile internet, and consider how effective digital financial capability building can help drive usage for women.   According to the GSMA, although mobile operators’ investments in network...

Blockchain and crypto have barely cemented themselves into our global society and there are already hundreds of use cases, testing it as a viable mechanism to lay a fast foundation for financial inclusion, especially for those traditionally limited by patriarchal financial systems. Today, women are often blocked from traditional financial services due to systemic issues like earning income in more informal sectors, lack of identification, insufficient collateral, mobility constraints and...

The promise of artificial intelligence for financial services providers is automated decision-making at scale, but that means AI also automates risk at scale. Take women business owners for example – historically, they have been the victims of unconscious bias in lending decisions. Algorithm- enabled credit decisions have the potential to create a level playing field for female customers worldwide—but only if we find and mitigate biases emerging through technology inputs and processes. Join...