Backyard Bankers
Immigrants, money clubs, and the pursuit of the American dream
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.
Published: 2025
Pages: 126
eBook: 9781788534260
Paperback: 9781788534246
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.
| Acknowledgements | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction: A few definitions | |||
| Chapter 1: The social life of money | |||
| Chapter 2: Case studies of clubs with Asian roots | |||
| Chapter 3: Case studies of clubs with African roots | |||
| Chapter 4: Case studies of clubs with Latin American and Caribbean roots | |||
| Chapter 5: Clubs as a development strategy | |||
| Concluding thoughts | |||
| Further reading | |||
| Relevant local organizations |
'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'
Jeffrey Ashe, Adjunct Associate Professor, Columbia University, Director: Grassroots Finance Action.
Sr. Lecturer, The Fletcher School of Global Affairs, Tufts University.
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