Introduction

Abstract

Financial inclusion, as considered by the World Bank, targets the individuals and businesses having “access to useful and affordable financial products and services that meet their needs—transactions, payments, savings, credit and insurance—delivered in a responsible and sustainable way”. However, the World Bank cites several challenges when about 200 million formal and informal micro, small and medium-sized enterprises in emerging economies lack adequate financing to thrive and grow (World Bank 2017). These enterprises are constrained by the absence of collateral, informality of the businesses and credit history. Women and rural and remotely located inhabitants are affected more than the others.