This project was commenced in light of increasing interest among industry, civil society, and government on the need to develop that legal and regulatory improvements and consumer protection standards to enhance the contribution of microcredit and microfinance to delivering sound and effective financial services to the poor. The project encompasses a comparative study of the state of consumer protection laws, regulations and administrative practices in relation to microfinance borrowing by the poor, many of whom are financially if not functionally illiterate.  It also features a survey of law and practice in 20 countries focusing on contracts for microfinance loans, microfinance dispute resolution mechanisms and debt collection practices, as well as more in-depth research of these issues in Kenya, Egypt, Cameroon, India (Tamil Nadu) and Colombia.