Available from the Asian Development Bank at www.adb.org

Abstract
Should central banks in developing countries actively assist microfinance? And how far would any such assistance fit with contemporary views of central bank functions? Given the reliance now placed on microfinance as a tool in national anti-poverty strategies, these are important questions for central banks.

This study of the role of central banks in microfinance examines the role and operations of central banks in microfinance development in twelve developing member countries (DMCs) of the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The countries concerned are Bangladesh, People’s Republic of China (PRC), India, Indonesia, Kyrgyz Republic, Nepal, Pakistan, Papua New Guinea (PNG), Philippines, Sri Lanka, Vanuatu, and Vietnam.

The overview of the study, presented in this volume, provides a detailed analytical framework, based on theoretical considerations and practical experience, for considering the role of central banks in microfinance. It also provides a synthesis of the key issues arising out of the country studies. The twelve country studies have been published in a companion volume. Each makes recommendations on the role of the central bank in the sustainable development of microfinance in the particular country.

John Conroy and Paul McGuire, consultants for the Foundation for  Development Cooperation, are the authors of this first volume, which also draws on a close collaboration with Banking with the Poor network members. 

Contents Foreword, Introduction, Notes on Authors and Executive Summary [117 kb] [Requires Acrobat]