Backyard Bankers

Immigrants, money clubs, and the pursuit of the American dream

By: Jeffrey Ashe, Kim Wilson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Discover the world of immigrant ‘money clubs’ in the US. Learn how groups of migrants and refugees creatively pool resources to first survive—putting food on the table—then thrive as they expand their businesses and invest in real estate. From modest set-ups in Iowa to intricate systems in Boston, grassroots money clubs drive immigrant success through thrift, accountability, and smart lending.

Representing members from Latin American, African, and Asian communities, money clubs draw on grit and ingenuity to build financial stability and meaningful connections in a new land.

'Backyard Bankers shows that people themselves have solutions that they own and that work - without a lot of experts trying to tell them or show them what to do. A must read for those who want to help - not harm.'
John Hammock Co-founder of Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) and Chair of SOPHIA Oxford United Kingdom

'This book demonstrates clearly the value of money clubs, particularly for newcomers to the United Sates. Benefiting from their experience in various countries in Africa, Latin America, Asia and elsewhere, the authors document the ongoing importance of traditional group finance; how it supports and facilitates economic growth and builds important and useful social capital. And while GDP per capita may be higher in America then many of the countries that come to mind when we think of 'informal finance', this book clearly shows the value and sustainability of these groups and the benefits they bring demonstrating they can and do work anywhere, including America. For anyone interested in understanding the determination, discipline and resourcefulness of immigrants to pursue the American Dream, Backyard Bankers is a must read.'
Joanna Ledgerwood, Author of 'The New Microfinance Handbook' and 'Making Market Systems Work for the Poor'