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

by Jason Potts

Overview

By tracing an arc of thought and action from both historical and religious figures up through modern microfinance practitioners, Looft illustrates the many ways religious inspiration continues to remain at the crux of international economic development–while raising compelling questions around God and Mammon working together to help the poor.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781137450777
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	10/02/2014
Edition description:	2014
Pages:	171
Product dimensions:	5.70(w) x 8.60(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

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 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.

Table of Contents

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?