Prologue

Microfinance remains one of the influential poverty alleviation tools among developing countries across the world. Although there are several issues unresolved in relation to microfinance, the growth of such banking system will remain pronounced in the market unless a new credit system that will be more effective in serving the poor replaces it. As such researchers, academics and practitioners are working together to ensure that microfinance remains pro-poor and a workable solution to poverty alleviation and financial inclusion, in line with the sustainable development goals (SDGs). Consequently, many reforms (e.g.: innovations, commercialization, etc.) have been introduced within the framework of the microfinance sector over the years. In view of the foregoing, this chapter sets the research agenda by highlighting the importance of reforms and how it affects the ‘dual goals’ or ‘twin objectives’ of MFIs. Furthermore, the content of the book and how it contributes to the academic literature were also included. Another important aspect of this chapter is the overview and sources of the data utilized in the rest of the chapters.