![](/sites/default/files/viewpoints/microfinance_on_the_rise169_0.jpg.pagespeed.ce.82mJtwJnd_.jpg)
Microfinance has already reached millions of households worldwide. This practice of extending small loans to very poor people for self-employment projects does not limit itself to developing countries but can also be found increasingly in European countries. As a result of the unmet demand for microfinance, this looks set to emerge as a significant new asset class.