Inspired Finance The Role of Faith in Microfinance and International Economic Development

Inspired Finance argues that much of the world's poor need access to financial services through vehicles such as microfinance rather than a continued reliance on charity. It demonstrates how modern microfinance traces its roots to various religious traditions, exploring the tension between charity and self-reliance in those traditions. Through thoughtful investigation and engaging case studies, Inspired Finance examines the impact these historical religious legacies have had on designing and developing financial services for the poor. Ultimately, Inspired Finance challenges you to consider how these religious influences can be restructured to help a rapidly growing industry target the poor in a way that truly helps them rise out of poverty, while at the same time respecting their inherent worth and dignity.

Michael Looft works as the Regional Director for Europe and Asia at Kiva Microfunds. In his role, he is responsible for setting strategy and overseeing the portfolio of microfinance partners. In 2006, he shifted his career into microfinance after twelve years in the retail and commercial banking industries. Prior to joining Kiva, Michael organized savings and loan clubs (ASCAs) in Sierra Leone, developed a microfinance program for a US-based non-profit operating in the Philippines, and worked as a data analyst for a microfinance institution in Guatemala. He holds an undergraduate degree in International Business from San Francisco State University, a Masters of Arts in Liberal Arts from St. John's College, and a Master of Divinity from Harvard Divinity. At Harvard, he focused on designing Sharia-compliant microfinance products for Muslim communities, as well as researching the impacts of faith-based involvement in the microfinance industry.

1. Charity Revisited
2. Financial Services for Poverty Alleviation
3. Protestant Influences
4. Theology and Development
5. Usury
6. Inspired Microfinance
7. Can God and Mammon Work Together?