71point4 was commissioned by MicroFinance South Africa to undertake research on borrowers and lenders. The borrower analysis included a survey of over 1 800 credit applicants who were declined by formal lenders. That survey found that almost 60% of respondents had taken at least one loan from an unregistered lender or mashonisa. In addition, 71point4 conducted three focus groups with borrowers to understand their experiences with formal registered lenders as well as unregistered lenders.

71point4 also conducted research on lenders to understand their costs and cost structures.

Findings of the research were incorporated into a submission by the MFSA to the regulator as part of its review of interest rates and fees under the National Credit Act.