Episode

How Microfinance Failed the World's Poor

Podcast
The Journal.
Published
Jul 14, 2026
Duration seconds
1476
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not_requested
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https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/WSJ3172361350.mp3
Audio
https://pdst.fm/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/WSJ3172361350.mp3
JSON
/v1/public/podcasts/the-journal-547598/episodes/how-microfinance-failed-the-world-s-poor
Markdown
/podcast/the-journal-547598/how-microfinance-failed-the-world-s-poor.md

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Summary

Microfinance was once hailed as a miracle cure for global poverty, promising to empower the world's most vulnerable with small business loans. But in countries like Cambodia, the industry has devolved into a cycle of predatory debt that is leaving families struggling. WSJ’s Gabriele Steinhauser explains why this once-celebrated solution has failed so many. Jessica Mendoza hosts. Further Listening: - Why Sweden Embraced Capitalism - Is Jane Goodall Fighting a Losing Battle? Sign up for WSJ’s free What’s News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices