Category: Finance

The Little Engine That Could wasn’t the most powerful train, but she believed in herself. The story goes that, as she set off to climb a steep mountain, she repeated: “I think I can, I think I can.” That simple phrase from a children’s story still holds a lesson for today’s business world – especially […]

Bitcoin’s price has surged to nearly $112,000, marking a significant increase since April 2025. This rise occurs despite ongoing concerns over cybersecurity threats and regulatory scrutiny in the cryptocurrency sector. The driving forces behind this appreciation include institutional adoption, favorable regulatory developments, and Bitcoin’s inherent scarcity. Key Drivers of Bitcoin’s Price Increase Market Outlook and […]

Few issues in the U.S. today are as controversial as diversity, equity and inclusion – commonly referred to as DEI. Although the term didn’t come into common usage until the 21st century, DEI is best understood as the latest stage in a long American project. Its egalitarian principles are seen in America’s founding documents, and […]

When the computer or phone you’re using right now blinks its last blink and you drop it off for recycling, do you know what happens? At the recycling center, powerful magnets will pull out steel. Spinning drums will toss aluminum into bins. Copper wires will get neatly bundled up for resale. But as the conveyor […]

Pharmacies are more than just stores – they’re vital links between people and their health care. One of us, Patrick, witnessed this firsthand in 2003 while working as a pharmacy technician at Walgreens in a midsize West Texas town. Each day involved handling hundreds of prescriptions as they moved through the system – meticulously counting […]

Financial exclusion remains a significant barrier to economic participation for millions globally, particularly among low-income, rural, and marginalized communities. Traditional banking systems often overlook these populations due to factors like low income, lack of collateral, and limited access to financial infrastructure. In response, various alternative financial instruments have emerged, demonstrating effectiveness in promoting financial inclusion. […]

The Mexican security forces tracking Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes – the leader of a deadly drug cartel that has been a top driver of violence in Mexico and narcotic addiction in America – thought they finally had him cornered on May 1, 2015. Four helicopters carrying an arrest team whirled over the mountains near Mexico’s southwestern […]

Understanding SAFE Agreements: A Clear Guide for High-Growth Startups and SMEs For startups scaling fast or SMEs seeking strategic funding without immediate valuation pressure, securing capital can be challenging. Traditional routes like bank loans or equity sales often involve complex negotiations, legal hurdles, and upfront ownership dilution. One increasingly popular alternative is the Simple Agreement […]

In the fast-paced world of finance, ongoing digitization is disrupting the traditional rules of banking with profound consequences.  Our lives have also become more digital through shopping, social interactions, news, and information gathering, to name just a few.  A burgeoning amount of personal data is now being produced daily. The total amount of data created, […]

In 2024, CGAP and MFR research explored trends and challenges in trying to close the gender gap for small borrowers, specifically examining how different institutional structures link to different outcomes. Smaller institutions, often organized as NGOs or providing group loans, such as cooperatives, demonstrated the best outcomes for women borrowers. However, even though they deliver […]