Small transaction sizes, sparse populations and poor infrastructure limit the ability of commercial banks and microfinance institutions to reach rural areas where many of the world’s poorest and most marginalised populations live. Disadvantaged communities, which do not have access to even small amounts of savings and credit to help smooth their incomes, meet predictable expenses and cope with emergencies, have little means of improving their quality of life. With more stability in their cash flow, poor men and women would have a greater chance of making better choices around health, education and nutrition, and as well, invest in income-generating activities.