Why data?

Although increasing volumes of data – both internal (e.g. client transactional data) and external (e.g. alternative data from social media or geospatial data) – are becoming available, we are yet to fully capitalise on the power of that data to advance financial sector development and generate better financial inclusion and welfare outcomes.

How we contribute

The initiatives undertaken by i2i include:

• Researching how data can drive both client and firm value in the financial sector.
• Offering technical assistance to financial service providers who wish to translate data into insights.
• Working to improve data quality by sharing practical information and best practices on data collection and analysis.
• Making relevant datasets and tools publicly available through our data portal.
• Changing the way that financial inclusion is traditionally measured by developing and piloting new measurement frameworks.
• Inspiring young entrepreneurs and developers to harness the power of data. [hyperlink to DataHack4FI]Encouraging partnerships and facilitating networking in four focus countries.

Who we work with

We facilitate the data market and bridge the data gap to sustainably connect decision-makers with the data they need. We accomplish this by building on and showcasing the existing knowledge base of financial inclusion data and collaborating with a wide range of partners, including, individuals, companies, organisations, and other entities that are well-positioned to provide high-quality data solutions to financial service providers, policymakers, and other financial inclusion actors.

Launched in 2015, i2i is jointly hosted by Cenfri and FinMark Trust and is funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in partnership with The MasterCard Foundation.