Lauren Braniff
Lauren Braniff works with the Technology Team and manages CGAP’s work on information systems including the Information Systems (IS) Fund and the software listings and reviews. The IS Fund has helped over 100 MFIs improve their information systems by co-funding independent consultants to help MFIs make informed technology investment decisions. Lauren evaluates all the MFI applications to the Fund, works with the registered consultants, and supports MFIs throughout the IS Fund assignment. Lauren also oversees CGAP’s software listings, which provide information on over 80 IS software products for the microfinance market. In addition to the software listings, Lauren works with a team of independent consultants to conduct evaluations of select products. Before joining CGAP, Lauren worked in the area of microenterprise development and for an MFI in Cambodia. She holds a master’s degree in international development from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree in political economy from the University of California, Berkeley.
by Lauren Braniff : Tuesday, October 30, 2007
 Rumors are flying about the much anticipated “gPhone” by Google, especially in light of the recent release of Apple’s iPhone. Will the gPhone replicate the glitz and glamour of the iPhone or focus on function over form? Bets seem to be on the latter, predicting that Google will opt for a low-cost, mass market approach which is likely to generate greater advertising income, the bread and butter of their business.
Read the rest of this page »
by Lauren Braniff : Wednesday, September 19, 2007
 In her opening remarks, Elizabeth Littlefield used the example of Brazil to illustrate two points. Since the government began allowing use of banking agents to deliver financial services several years ago, 98% of the municipalities now have easy access to financial services. That number is enviable by all standards. At the same time, one network manager experienced an 85% turnover in agents during the first few years.
Read the rest of this page »
 As part of its recent entrance into the US mobile payments space, Citibank recently began advertising via SMS. When USA Today readers receive stock quotes on their mobile phone, they now find an accompanying advertisement asking if they’d like to check their Citibank account balance or even find the nearest ATM. Uptake of these offers is around 15 to 20 percent, several times higher than traditional advertising.
SMS advertising is a frequent topic of discussion around CGAP. As many mobile banking services in developing countries have had difficulty maintaining adequate volumes of usage, we often wonder if users would respond to SMS messages reminding them of this service and encouraging use of e-money. What if we could use SMS to provide financial management tips? Could we use SMS to encourage clients to save a small amount after each transaction? The potential of SMS advertising is indeed exciting, but in thinking of how I would respond to a pesky advertisement on my own phone, I feel less confident. Is SMS advertising the new telemarketer?
Exploring and testing innovative ideas is the cornerstone of CGAP’s Technology Program and SMS advertising is likely to play a role in at least one of our projects. Perhaps users will find the service more helpful than annoying and the skeptic in me will be proven wrong…?
by Lauren Braniff : Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Despite economic gains in recent years, Mexico’s financial services industry has yet to reach all potential customers. In cities, as little as 15 percent of the population have access to financial accounts. In rural areas, the percentage plummets to six percent. These figures are partially due to limited supply of services, especially in rural areas, as well as demand-side constraints such as low levels of education, and negative perceptions of banking in general. Read the rest of this page »
|
 |
|
