Can Payments Banks Succeed? A Trilemma and a Possible Solution
Recently, the Reserve Bank of India has begun licensing a new kind of retail bank, called payments banks, for the hitherto financially excluded.
A novel way for MSMEs to lower their risk profile and access funds
This problem can be solved by link-ups with large supply chains and networks that disperse risk and place small businesses in a better position to get loans and attract equity investors.
Covid-19 and debt moratorium conundrum: The case of microfinance
Given the extent of liquidity shock caused by Covid-19, the Reserve Bank of India enabled all lending institutions to provide their borrowers with a repayment moratorium on term loans until 31 August 2020.
Book Review: The Case for a Job Guarantee by Pavlina R. Tcherneva
In The Case for a Job Guarantee, Pavlina R. Tcherneva argues that a job guarantee that provides an employment opportunity to anyone looking for work, regardless of their personal circumstances or the state of the economy, not only makes good economic sense, but is vital for people’s wellbeing.
The case for a unique business identifier for Indian MSMEs
Solving the identity problem is necessary to enable a shift away from a survival mindset and towards a growth mindset
A review of BIS’ paper on The Design of Digital Financial Infrastructure: Lessons from India
This blog post reviews the BIS paper, and offers some reflections and critiques based on the experience of these infrastructures in India.
A conflict-ridden SIDBI needs the government to clarify its role
In their book, In Service of the Republic, Vijay Kelkar and Ajay Shah warn against distortions caused by the government and its entities being both player and umpire in various sectors .
Unlocking new capital for the social sector
Innovative and blended finance structures, such as Social Venture Funds, offer a unique opportunity for nonprofits to secure new funding.
How government backstops can best ease credit flows to MSMEs
The Indian government has set into motion the implementation of several schemes that are aimed at improving both the liability and asset sides of the balance sheets of banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs), so that lending to the real economy can increase. The most recently introduced are four schemes.
A Commentary on Select Recommendations of the Report of the IRDAI Committee on Microinsurance
As per IRDAI (Micro Insurance) Regulations, 2015, the microinsurance business is exempted from customised benefit illustration6 and disclosure norms prescribed in IRDA (Linked and Non-Linked Insurance Products) Regulations. IRDAI’s latest circular on this continues to extend this exemption.
