Fresh insights on the Rapid Evolution of Financial Systems in the Global South Shared at Workshop

In early May, The Cluster of Research Excellence in Inequalities, Poverty, and Deprivation (CoRE IPD) was an organising partner for the seventh annual Finance & Development workshop at the University of Groningen. The workshop was hosted by the university’s Faculty of Economics and Business and the Rudolf Agricola School. The Kiel Institute for the World Economy was another organising partner.  

The workshop focused on the rapid evolution of financial systems in the Global South and their implications for financial inclusion, with a special focus on Africa. Eleven researchers from around the world presented fresh insights on financial inclusion, Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) finance, and the evolving financial landscape in the Global South. From impact investing to informal institutions in conflict zones, the discussions were rich, relevant, and inspiring.   

The event’s highlight was the presentation by Jonathan Morduch, Professor of Public Policy and Economics at the Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University. He presented a novel theoretical framework that can be used to explore how social investors can improve financial inclusion.   

After two days of insightful exchange and collaboration, participants left energised to advance finance and development across Africa.