The concept was pioneered by Muhammad Yunus, the founder of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh and winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize.

WSJ: Book Review: Borderless Economics

Just ask the great microfinance pioneer Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh's Grameen Bank -- women are the best bet.

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The idea of microfinance was developed by Muhammad Yunus, who founded the Grameen Bank in Bangladesh and was awarded a Nobel prize in 2006.

BBC: Lessons from microfinance

Grameen Bank founder Muhammad Yunus is fighting a protracted political battle in his home country of Bangladesh, where the government recently ousted him from his post.

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