In the , Asia Research Brief #47 | (PDF), examines the informal financial sector in rural Vietnam.
ROSCA, or money pools (called Hụi, Họ, Phường or Biêu, depending on the geographical location), have for centuries been a way to help poor households invest in business, housing, education and healthcare, among other things. This practice helps reinforce a sense of community through reciprocity, especially for poor and marginalized women.
Further reading: