This white paper, from hiveonline, explores the case for digitizing savings groups. The paper examines the challenges of reaching remote, poor populations and provides a brief introduction to the history, scope, and basic elements of the Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) methodology.

The paper notes that digitization of savings groups can result in the rapid acceleration of financial inclusion in developing countries. It can help solve challenges related to liquidity and access to formal financial services, develop a thorough financial history for groups and members, expand access to other services and support, connect savings groups to each other, address challenges related to low levels of literacy, improve inclusivity and trust, and strengthen remote monitoring.