Cenfri is interested in all areas of the financial sector relevant to low-income households. Currently our areas of research include: micro-insurance, health insurance, AML/CFT, new technology in distribution and remittances:

• Microinsurance | Very simply, micro-insurance refers to insurance for low-income households. If appropriately designed and intermediated such products can play an important role in reducing vulnerability for the poor and it could also present profitable markets. Read more.
• Health financing and insurance | Although this is part of the broader micro-insurance area, it is sufficiently disitinct in character and content to mention health financing and insurance separately. Read more.
• Anti-money Laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) | AML/CFT is currently one of the international financial sector standards, which may impact on financial inclusion if not carefully implemented. Cenfri seeks to support compliance with such international standards in a manner that does not impact unnecessarily on financial sector development and inclusion Read more.
• New technology in the distribution of financial services | Technology (e.g. cell phone and branchless banking) is playing an increasing role across all financial sectors opening up new opportunities but also creating challenges for regulators. Read more.
• Remittances | Money transfers (both domestic and international) play a key role in the livelihoods of low-income households but are often subject to market and regulatory constraints. Read more.
• Policy/regulatory/supervisory frameworks and strategy | All of the above areas exist within a broader policy, regulatory and supervisory environment, which determines development objectives and priorities. In order to secure the development of any specific financial sector, it is necessary to also create the appropriate regulatory frameworks and a supportive environment. Read more.