Sneha Stephen (Program Coordinator, IPA) gave a presentation and participated in a panel on “Preventing crises and addressing over-indebtedness through responsible finance” at the Frankfurt School of Finance & Management’s 14th University Meets Microfinance (UMM) Workshop on Responsible Inclusive Finance.She presented research from randomized evaluations of microcredit and their implications for improving client screening, reducing delinquency, and addressing over-indebtedness.

Emily Cupito (Policy Manager, J-PAL Africa) presented lessons from randomized evaluations of targeted instruction programs to a working group on catch-up programs in Lusaka, Zambia.

The advent of digital finance has brought with it the opportunity to include those without full access to formal financial services.However, increased access to and use of digital financial services, for all its benefits, does not come without risks, which are crucial to address if financial services are to enhance consumer well-being.Responsible finance is core to the goals of Universal Financial Access by 2020 and contributes to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.