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AbstractThis paper discusses credit risk assessment through conventional and specialized credit evaluation metrics. I find that low credit risk is a direct consequence of sound implementation of good governance practices and sustainable financial performance through sound qualitative and quantitative risk management tools. Furthermore, I find that the depth and breadth of outreach and write‐off are by some margin the two most important determinant indicators of a microfinance institutions' (MFI's) credit risk control. In addition, I demonstrate that there is no significant statistical difference in terms of risk management among the different types of MFIs. Results also suggest that constructive regulation to promote MFIs has a non‐negligible impact on the risk assessment of MFIs.

Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to calculate the financial inclusion index and analyze its dynamics in developing countries.

Design/methodology/approach
The authors use the two-stage principal component analysis (PCA) method and consider financial technology innovations to improve the accuracy of the financial inclusion index.

Findings
The authors found a downward trend in the financial inclusion index in most developing countries over the study period. The authors also found that a high financial inclusion index is linked to high scores in the Doing Business and high business climate regulation ranking. In addition, the authors observed that the rates of low financial inclusion in developing countries are due to low utilization of and unequal access to financial services.

Practical implications
The analysis suggests that policymakers in developing countries could invest in digital infrastructure to extend access to financial services in remote areas. They could also encourage financial innovation, particularly in financial technologies, by adopting flexible regulatory frameworks. Promoting the financial inclusion of marginalized groups through targeted initiatives tailored to their needs is another solution. They could also encourage the use of financial services by raising awareness and educating populations through training programs. Finally, to improve the business climate, governments could simplify administrative procedures and promote transparency and legal stability.

Originality/value
Unlike previous studies, the use of the two-stage PCA method and the consideration of financial technology (Fintech) innovations such as mobile money in the determinants of the financial inclusion index improve the accuracy of the index.

Microcredit offers an innovative response to non-traditional financing and development needs for marginalized individuals. Here, impact assessment is very useful in that it helps to determine whether or not the objectives set at the onset are achieved and what can be done to correct the impediments to achieve better results. The paper analyzes the socio-economic effect of microcredit through the novel dual approach of self-reported perception and relationships with others. The data were gathered in collaboration with the Fonds Mauricie in November, 2019. Apart from the improvement in the financial indicators of micro-enterprises, the results show that microcredit has enhanced micro-entrepreneurs' living conditions and family situation at rates of 88 and 91 percent, respectively. Regarding morale, 88 percent of micro-entrepreneurs report feeling better and optimistic about the future, and 92 percent report better relationships with others. In particular, the socio-economic effect of microcredit is determined by a better family situation, better living conditions and better financial situation and business income. These results imply that microfinance institutions must extend their financing to all segments of the population, especially the most vulnerable people such as immigrants and indigenous peoples.

Microfinance promises to trim down poverty. To achieve this noble objective microfinance institutions (MFIs) have to become steady profitable because donor constancy is not a given. Thus important question is: what factors drive the financial sustainability of MFIs? Using data on 217 MFIs in 101 countries distributed by region and type of MFIs over the period of 1998-2006, we report three important findings. First, we show that a high quality credit portfolio, coupled with the application of sufficiently high interest rates that allow a reasonable profit and sound management are instrumental to the financial sustainability of MFIs. Second, we show that the percentage of women among the clientele has a weak statistically non-significant negative effect on financial sustainability of MFIs. Third, we find that the client outreach of microfinance programs and the age of MFIs have a positive but lesser impact on attainment of financial sustainability. The policy implication is that MFIs have to emulate profit-making banking practices by implementing a sound financial management and good managerial governance to assure their financial sustainability.

AbstractThe paper uses two rounds of survey to examine the relative returns to micro‐credit for small‐scale businesses in two regions of Ghana. Propensity scores matching and the nearest neighbour matching are used to assess the return to micro‐loans on retail businesses of clients and non‐clients. Micro‐credit impacts on sales, stock, expenses and profit for clients as compared with non‐clients. Women‐owned businesses produce higher returns from micro‐credit than men‐owned businesses. Individual and enterprise characteristics influence access to micro‐credit. The paper offers policy recommendations to microfinance institutions on whom and which business activity to give credit. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.