Microfinance is a powerful tool that can transform communities by lifting the poorest individuals out of poverty. David Simms, who has served in various leadership positions with the nonprofit Opportunity International for the past 30 years, understands the potential of microfinance. He’s seen its impact in more than two dozen countries, where his organization has leveraged the financial instruments to improve daily life. Simms is the former president and global chief development officer of Opportunity U.S. who recently founded Olive Tree Advisors, a consulting firm to nonprofits. He sat down with Tyler Wry, a management professor at Wharton, to share his insights on where the field is heading. Tyler Wry: What is microfinance and how does it work to address global poverty? David Simms: At its core, microfinance is about bringing financial tools to people that wouldn’t otherwise have access to them, so that’s small savings, small loans, small insurance and training.…