Inclusive Financial Systems: Analysis, Design, and Evaluation of Interventions (EIB-B241)

Spring 2026 · EIB B241 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

This course appeals to students interested in supporting households and businesses in low-income and emerging economies. (It does not require previous knowledge of economics or finance.) We welcome future leaders in anthropology, economics, policymaking, humanitarian and development aid, urban studies, migration, international business, human security, and international security. It combines knowledge (successful financial innovations and policies) as well as skills (analysis, design, monitoring, and evaluation). Students will leave the course equipped with: ¿ Practical understanding of the financial and economic lives of low-income people and their businesses. ¿ Mastery of theories, analytical frameworks, and commonly used Design, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DME) tools relevant to inclusive finance (and many other development sectors): financial health, problem analysis, theory of change, stakeholder analysis, results frameworks, monitoring & evaluation processes. ¿ Knowledge of various stakeholders in the financial inclusion ecosystem from banks to fintechs to NGOs and regulatory bodies. ¿ The capacity to critically evaluate a financial policy, program, or product. ¿ The ability to rigorously design a financial inclusion intervention (policy, program, or product), and prepare, structure, and compellingly deliver communications on the same (Innovation Briefing Note, Presentation). ¿ The skill to do breakeven analysis, cost-benefit analysis, and prepare a simple, balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. ¿ Mastery of commonly used metrics for analyzing financial portfolios. ¿ The ability to conduct key informant interviews to gather information on a chosen innovation.

Course codes: EIB-B241

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