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A Review of Commitment Savings Products in Development Countries

Author

Listed:
  • Nava Ashraf

    (Harvard University)

  • Nathalie Gons

    (Innovations for Poverty Action)

  • Dean S. Karlan

    (Princeton University)

  • Wesley Yin

    (Princeton University)

Abstract

Many financial institutions in developing countries offer savings products. Yet, little has been done to assess systematically and quantitatively the relative merits of different product designs. This paper first examines different designs that provide incentives to clients to commit to save. Mechanisms are divided into deposit side mechanisms that help clients make regular deposits, and withdrawal-side mechanisms that help clients restrict the use of their funds except for well-planned uses or emergencies. Then, using results from a short web-based survey of microfinance instititutions, we describe different commitment savings products in use around the world.

Suggested Citation

  • Nava Ashraf & Nathalie Gons & Dean S. Karlan & Wesley Yin, 2003. "A Review of Commitment Savings Products in Development Countries," ADB Economics Working Paper Series 45, Asian Development Bank.
    • Handle: RePEc:ris:adbewp:0045
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    6. Matthew Rabin & Ted O'Donoghue, 1999. "Doing It Now or Later," American Economic Review, American Economic Association, vol. 89(1), pages 103-124, March.
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    More about this item

    Keywords

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    JEL classification:

    • G21 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Banks; Other Depository Institutions; Micro Finance Institutions; Mortgages
    • G28 - Financial Economics - - Financial Institutions and Services - - - Government Policy and Regulation
    • O16 - Economic Development, Innovation, Technological Change, and Growth - - Economic Development - - - Financial Markets; Saving and Capital Investment; Corporate Finance and Governance

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