We're here on the 40th floor of 7 World Trade Center at Moody's for the opening of the Microfinance Impact & Innovation Conference 2010. The view is amazing. Hopefully it won't distract from what is a truly impressive line-up of researchers, practitioners and donors all dedicated to figuring out what works, and then doing it.

We'll be posting live commentary here as we go so stay tuned. You can also follow us on twitter.

You can read the full agenda here - where papers and presentations will be posted at the conclusion of the conference.

First up is Jody Rasch of our hosts Moody's Investors Service.