Resources on social finance

  1. Publication

    Just Transition Finance - Pathways for banking and insurance

    03 December 2023

    Promoting a just transition is essential to achieve broad-based support for ambitious climate action. In this collective effort, financial institutions play a major enabling role. This publication highlights crucial elements, emerging practices and examples of the banking and underwriting activities in promoting a just transition and serves as a guide for banks and insurance companies.

  2. Learnings from case studies from Guatemala and Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Developing an impact monitoring system for Sida’s guarantee instrument

    30 November 2023

    Credit guarantees can be a powerful instrument to achieve positive development results. This paper summarises findings from case studies, conducted in Guatemala and in Bosnia and Herzegovina, and illustrates their contribution to our work co-designing an impact monitoring system for Sweden’s guarantee instrument.

  3. Publication

    Social Finance Brief: Financial services to enhance resilience

    13 November 2023

    Banks, credit unions and microfinance institutions can boost the resilience and create a brighter future for vulnerable communities through innovative solutions. This brief explores in more detail such comprehensive services, including savings, insurance, emergency loans and financial education.

  4. Brochure

    Supporting entrepreneurial pathways for refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and host community members in Iraq

    31 October 2023

    Within its broader efforts to expand access to finance in Iraq, particularly for Internally Displaced Persons and refugees, the ILO under the PROSPECTS partnership, has been active in supporting entrepreneurial pathways for refugees, Internally Displaced Persons and host community members.

  5. Publication

    Driving better business results with women’s insurance

    23 October 2023

    This publication highlights the evolving socio-economic status of women and calls for increased engagement from insurers. It provides a comprehensive roadmap to address the unique needs of women, spanning both customer and employee perspectives, with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) reporting a substantial US$1.7 trillion opportunity by 2030 when targeting women. The guide offers a six-step plan, real success stories and practical solutions, supported by the expertise of the IFC and the ILO. Its primary aim is to foster financial inclusion and promote gender equity.

  6. Publication

    Advancing livelihoods through financial inclusion in Iraq

    13 August 2023

    This study was developed by the ILO under the framework of PROSPECTS, which is funded by the Government of the Netherlands. The ILO is collaborating with different partners to enhance the functioning of the private sector while addressing the barriers to decent self-employment.

  7. Publication

    Integrated financial services for better risk management

    11 July 2023

    Financial institutions have a critical role in supporting vulnerable low-income households to cope with the growing risks and impact of climate change and extreme weather events. This publication highlights the importance of an integrated approach to risk management that combines insurance with other financial and non-financial services.