The Inter-American Development Bank(IDB) recently published a paper investigating the effect of remittances from the United States on crime rates in Mexico. The study found remittances to be associated with a decrease in homicide rates. FT’s beyond-bric’s blog notes that “remittances help fight crime by helping recipient households’ income so that kids stay in school enabling the establishment of micro-businesses; leading to rising home ownership and thus construction jobs to build homes – all factors in weakening the appeal of turning to crime.” As remittances continue to play an increasing role in the economics of many countries, it is important to continuously test and scale innovative models that not only promote financial inclusion but also improve societal development.