Title:
Expanded and Sustained Access to Financial Services (ESAF) Programme
Start Date:
November 2010
Completion Date:
January 2011
Client(s):
USAID
Funder(s):
USAID
Location:
International, International
Key Contact:
Robert Stone
Summary:
The USAID Expanded and Sustained Access to Financial services (ESAF) program in Palestine is expanding its focus on increasing access to finance more broadly to include both credit and non-credit service expansion to underserved or unserved populations and markets in the West Bank and Gaza. A key challenge is the identification of technological innovations that can be utilized by commercial banks to expand service outreach in an efficient, secure, and cost-effective manner. The project is designed to provide advice to the Palestinian Banking Market and the Palestinian Monetary Authority (PMA) on potential future developments in the inclusivity of the banking industry as a result of technological developments and the regulatory implications this would hold.