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Asset-based Microfinance for Microenterprises: Evidence from Pakistan

Author

Listed:
  • Quinn, Simon
  • Bari, Faisal
  • Malik, Kashif
  • Meki, Muhammad

Abstract

We conduct a field experiment offering graduated microcredit clients the opportunity to finance a business asset worth four times their previous borrowing limit. We implement this using a hire-purchase contract; our control group is offered a zero-interest loan. We find large, significant and persistent effects from asset finance contracts: treated microenterprise owners run larger businesses and enjoy higher profits; consequently, household consumption increases, particularly on food and children's education. A dynamic structural model with non-convex capital adjustment costs rationalises our results; this highlights the potential for welfare improvements through large capital injections that are financially sustainable for microfinance institutions.

Suggested Citation

  • Quinn, Simon & Bari, Faisal & Malik, Kashif & Meki, Muhammad, 2021. "Asset-based Microfinance for Microenterprises: Evidence from Pakistan," CEPR Discussion Papers 15768, C.E.P.R. Discussion Papers.
    • Handle: RePEc:cpr:ceprdp:15768
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    Cited by:

    1. Oriana Bandiera & Robin Burgess & Erika Deserranno & Ricardo Morel & Imran Rasul & Munshi Sulaiman & Jack Thiemel, 2022. "Microfinance and Diversification," Economica, London School of Economics and Political Science, vol. 89(S1), pages 239-275, June.
    2. Masselus, Lise & Petrik, Christina & Ankel-Peters, Jörg, 2024. "Lost in the design space? Construct validity in the microfinance literature," Ruhr Economic Papers 1097, RWI - Leibniz-Institut für Wirtschaftsforschung, Ruhr-University Bochum, TU Dortmund University, University of Duisburg-Essen.
    3. repec:osf:osfxxx:nwp8k_v1 is not listed on IDEAS
    4. Tefera, Girum Abebe & Cassidy, Rachel & Weis, Toni Johannes, 2025. "Access to Capital and Women's Entrepreneurship," Policy Research Working Paper Series 11232, The World Bank.
    5. Bernardus Van Doornik & David Schoenherr & Janis Skrastins, 2025. "Escaping Death: individual mobility and female mortality," Working Papers Series 621, Central Bank of Brazil, Research Department.
    6. Zhang, Yong & Jia, Daizheng, 2025. "The impact of inclusive finance and education investment on new quality productivity: The nonlinear mediating effect of education development," Finance Research Letters, Elsevier, vol. 77(C).
    7. Bernardus Van Doornik & Armando Gomes & David Schoenherr & Janis Skrastins, 2024. "Savings-and-Credit Contracts," Working Papers Series 610, Central Bank of Brazil, Research Department.
    8. Klaus W. Deininger & Thea Hilhorst & Zevenbergen,Jaap & Nkurunziza,Emmanuel, 2025. "Capitalizing on Digital Transformation to Enhance the Effectiveness of Property Institutions : Conceptual Background and Evidence from 85 Countries," Policy Research Working Paper Series 11100, The World Bank.
    9. Bernardus van Doornik & Dimas Fazio & Tarun Ramadorai & Janis Skrastins, 2024. "Housing and Fertility," Working Papers Series 612, Central Bank of Brazil, Research Department.

    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D22 - Microeconomics - - Production and Organizations - - - Firm Behavior: Empirical Analysis
    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G32 - Financial Economics - - Corporate Finance and Governance - - - Financing Policy; Financial Risk and Risk Management; Capital and Ownership Structure; Value of Firms; Goodwill
    • L25 - Industrial Organization - - Firm Objectives, Organization, and Behavior - - - Firm Performance
    • O14 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Industrialization; Manufacturing and Service Industries; Choice of Technology
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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