Dear Reader, Microcredit has been growing at double-digit rates over the last few years, but lately there have been concerns that it creates new burdens on the poor. Is microcredit really a blessing or a debt trap? Read our top story and decide for yourself.

Microinsurance is another expanding financial tool, designed to help the poor manage risk. We take a look at the latest Allianz microinsurance project in Egypt. In our expert interview, MicroInsurance Centre CEO Michael J. McCord explains why it will take more than just NGOs and microfinance institutions to reach the world’s billion potential microinsurance clients. And Michael Anthony, who coordinates Allianz microinsurance projects worldwide, discusses Allianz’s vision of insurance for the poor.

Read the complete Allianz Knowledge Newsletter, May 2008 here, and don’t miss the launch of our new section on Safety & Security next month.

Your Allianz Knowledge Team

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