The Sector Wide and Policy (SWAP) Issues team addresses the need for better information on the part of policymakers and the general public in the microfinance sector. SWAP aims to improve the quality of microfinance policy in India by conducting rigorous short term reearch projects on policy issues of pressing interest and by providing information to policymakers and the general public through activities such as thematic conferences and research seminars. In peforming its work, SWAP benefits from the unique strenghts of CMF - the deep on-the-ground knowledge of micofinance operations accumluated by its staff in the field, its strong ties with ke y edaers in the field of microfinance, and its relationships with renowned academics. While SWAP itself does not directl y engage din policy advocvacy, it serves as as key resources for other organizations which seek to influence policy through direct contact with bureauscts and politicians, and regulators.

Motivating research questions behind Sector Wide and Policy Issues research include:
- How does the introduction of biometric systems reduce corruption in disbursement of government payments (e.g. NREGA)?
- What are the factors that affect the access to and usage of financial services? (e.g. financial literacy, transaction costs etc)
- What are the effects of competition in microfinance on interest rates, multiple borrowing and client impact?