Consultative Group to Assist the Poor (CGAP) is an independent policy and research center dedicated to advancing financial access for the world's poor. It is supported by over 30 development agencies and private foundations who share a common mission to alleviate poverty. Housed at the World Bank, CGAP provides market intelligence, promotes standards, develops innovative solutions and offers advisory services to governments, microfinance providers, donors, and investors. CGAP focuses on five core areas:

• Developing and strengthening a wide range of institutions and means, both financial and non-financial, that deliver financial services to the poor;
• Improving the quality and availability of information about institutional financial performance;
• Establishing supportive legal and regulatory frameworks;
• Improving aid effectiveness;
• Reaching poor and unserved clients and ensuring impact on their lives.