In the York Centre for Asian Research’s latest Asia Research Brief, Asia Research Brief #47 | Money pool (Hụi/Họ) in the Mekong Delta: An Old Way of Doing Finance in Rural Vietnam (PDF), Dr. Nga Dao 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: IUCN.ORG: Press Release: Critical Ecosystem Partnership Fund recognises Viet Nam conservationist as Indo-Burma’s Biodiversity “Hotspot Hero”