How does financial inclusion transform lives? And what is the role of listening and agility in the success of inclusive financial products and services?
Meet Social Impact Pioneer – Atul Tandon. Atul is the visionary CEO of Opportunity International. Opportunity International is a pioneer in developing microfinance products that empower the underprivileged. They are proof of the significant impact of sustainable banking on global poverty alleviation.
Atul’s journey from his humble beginnings in India to becoming a global leader in microfinance via MBA and CitiBank financier propels him to lean in, use his financial skills and help others. Listen in to learn about Atul’s journey and how his conviction to deeply listen to and understand the people he serves allows Opportunity International to pivot and progress their financial products – so that they really do improve lives. We’ll discuss the organisation’s latest innovations, such as digital tools for farmers and educational initiatives that bypass traditional barriers, offering new paradigms for social improvement.
In 2023, under Atul’s leadership, Opportunity International and its partners disbursed over $1.85 billion (released in loans), impacting 50 million lives across 31 countries. These funds have catalysed growth for smallholder farms and informal businesses, helping families educate their children and improve their living standards. The organisation’s approach combines financial assistance with educational programs, further exemplifying its holistic strategy to combat poverty.
During this conversation Atul shares just some of what he has learnt as a leader for social impact – from motivating teams for impact over income to starting with the end in mind and knowing when to leave. This podcast conversation is a trove of useful and actionable insights.
Links:
Bloomberg – The AI Revolution Comes for Farmers Growing a Third of Our Food
Devex
Opportunity International: Atul Tandon
Kenya school study: Three-year quasi-experimental study finds children gain as much as half a year equivalent of additional schooling | Opportunity International Edufinance.
Opportunity International | CoLab
Our World in Data (Aug 2023); Extreme poverty: How far have we come, and how far do we still have to go?
Our World in Data (2023); Poverty Data Explorer – Our World in Data
US News and World Report (Sept 2024); In a World Facing Climate and Equity Crises, Impact Investing Is Gaining Momentum
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