The Impact of ICT on Intermediation in the Microfinance Industry

The microfinance industry provides financial services to the world's poor in hopes of moving individuals and families out of poverty. This research examines how information and communication technologies (ICTs) are changing the microfinance industry given recent advancements in mobile banking, Internet usage, and connectivity. By examining the microfinance market structure, we determine that ICTs impact intermediation and market structure among various players in the microfinance industry. We use a recent industry risk report to inform predictions of changes to the intermediation structure of the industry.