Microfinance

thumb|An Afghan woman doing microfinanced sewing work Microfinance consists of financial services designated for individuals and small businesses (SMEs) who lack access to conventional banking and related services.

Microcredit is the extension of very small loans (microloans) to impoverished borrowers who typically do not have access to traditional banking services due to a lack of collateral, steady employment, and a verifiable credit history. The primary aim of microcredit is to support entrepreneurship, facilitate self-employment, and alleviate poverty, particularly in low-income communities.

American entrepreneur and philanthropist; founder of eBay

small financial intermediary structure used in economic development

opportunities to access financial services

Organization and financial service

organization

method of implementing microcredits

American financial software nonprofit

The unbanked are adults who do not have their own bank accounts. Along with the underbanked, they may rely on alternative financial services for their financial needs, where these are available.