Making banks accessible to the poor in Asia

Giving the poor access to financial services is accepted wisdom. What isn't appreciated is how this is undermined by a lingering lack of trust in banks among the people most in need of their services.

Many poor customers in Asia feel alienated and neglected by banks because financial solutions are usually not tailored to their needs, and when they are, they're often not clearly explained.

Financial exclusion can breed poverty traps and inequality, and delay the development of efficient financial markets. Fixing this is important for Asia, which, as the engine for 60 percent of global growth, will bear the burden of driving global prosperity for years to come.