Digital Finance, Financial Inclusion & Digital Transformation

For millions of households across South Asia, access to financial services remains uneven, unreliable, or absent altogether. DIA’s research in financial inclusion examines how people save, borrow, transfer, and manage money — and what it takes for formal financial systems to reach those who need them most. Our field research captures the realities that aggregate data misses, from the mechanics of digital adoption to the social dynamics that shape financial decision-making.

Projects Featuring Digital Finance, Financial Inclusion & Digital Transformation

Understanding Constrained Users’ Experience of UPI-Based Digital Payment Apps

Making UPI more accessible and intuitive for migrant workers, gig workers, and women.

Partners

Dvara Research, Centre for Social and Behaviour Change,

Evaluation of CropIn agricultural information technology services on farming outputs India

Can technological access to educational and market information affect farmer output? A study of soybean farmers in Maharashtra.

Partners

The International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI), Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF),

Customer Protection in Microfinance: Regulatory Compliance Monitoring Tool

Studying the impact of the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) new regulatory framework on the microfinance sector.

Partners

Dvara Research,

Endline Data Collection on Financial Inclusion in Begusarai, Bihar

Evaluating the social and economic outcomes of a financial inclusion programme under JEEViKA, Government of Bihar.

Partners

Institute for Financial Management and Research (IFMR), Inclusion Economics India Centre (IEIC), IFMR, Krea University,

The Impact and External Validity of Mobile Money Interventions in South Asia

Testing whether the impacts of mobile money on migrant households in Bangladesh replicate in a larger sample across the subcontinent.

Partners

The World Bank Group, National University of Singapore, Florida International University, University of Exeter, New York University,

Impact of a Digital Platform on Farm Finances

Understanding the impact of digital record-keeping on farm finances, production choices, and profitability in agriculture.

Partners

University of Cambridge, Birkbeck, University of London, Monash University, Keynes Fund, University of Cambridge, Faculty of Business and Law, Birkbeck, University of London,

Digitizing Women’s Money Management

Understanding the dynamics influencing financial management practices among women in economically disadvantaged households.

Partners

Dvara Research, Gramin Vikas Trust,

What we do

We partner with governments, development agencies, foundations, and private organizations to generate high-quality evidence, strengthen programmes, and translate research into meaningful policy and social impact.

  • Data Analytics & Policy Research

    We transform complex data into actionable insights using advanced statistical analysis, econometric modelling, predictive analytics, and mixed-methods approaches. Our policy research supports governments and development partners in designing, refining, and scaling evidence-informed programmes.

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  • Impact Evaluation

    We design and deliver rigorous impact evaluations using randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-experimental designs, and other robust causal inference methods to assess whether policies, programmes, and innovations achieve their intended outcomes. Our evaluations generate credible evidence that informs investment, policy, and scale-up decisions.

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  • Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL)

    We design comprehensive MEL systems that enable organizations to monitor performance, evaluate implementation, and foster continuous learning. Our expertise includes Theory of Change development, logical frameworks, process evaluations, implementation research, learning agendas, and adaptive management.

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  • Programme Design & Strategy

    We help organizations design evidence-informed programmes that are practical, scalable, and results-oriented. Our services include needs assessments, programme design, Theory of Change development, results frameworks, implementation strategies, technical advisory, institutional strengthening, and evidence translation to improve programme effectiveness and long-term impact.

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  • Qualitative Research & Behavioural Insights

    We integrate qualitative inquiry with behavioural science and mixed-methods research to understand how people make decisions, experience public services, and respond to interventions. Through interviews, focus groups, ethnography, case studies, and participatory approaches, we generate rich contextual insights that complement quantitative evidence.

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