The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

Grey Area has worked with BMGF since 2011 on program strategy and partnerships, primarily in the digital financial services and financial inclusion space.

• Emerging markets fintech innovation landscapes:
  Conducted market research studies of digital financial services innovation landscape over six years, covering hundreds of organizations. Produced research briefs on emerging technologies and financial inclusion challenges; identified trends within each challenge area, determined innovative companies within each trend, and profiled select innovators in depth. Vetted leading companies for BMGF investments, grant-making, partnerships, and knowledge development.

• Emerging markets formal employment market research:
  Developed evidence base for BMGF around private sector employment in eight emerging market focus countries to inform digital financial services grant-making. Leveraged 250+ research sources to create concise visual briefs on formal employment statistics, top industries and employers, and employment patterns of the poor. Delivered via printed booklets and an interactive digital tool.

• Program strategy for private sector/philanthropic partnership on financial inclusion:
  Developed and advised on program strategy development for grant-making. Proposed innovative partnership model between private sector and philanthropic actors to explore agent banking and cash distribution challenges. Resulted in successful program implementation with leading global design firm.