The Russian Microfinance Center (RMC), a not for profit trade organization, was established in 2002 to work on behalf of the Russian microfinance community. Its mission is to promote the development of the entire Russian microfinance market. Continue Reading »

At a recent global forum in Portland Oregon sponsored by Mercy Corps, savings, as opposed to loans, was emphasized as a crucial component to alleviating poverty. Continue Reading »

A number of Indian MFI’s now provide loans for cost effective alternative power to people who have little or no access to electricity. With heavy reliance on kerosene and firewood, millions of homes have little or no light after dark. And the time spent collecting firewood or waiting in line to purchase kerosene leaves little time for income generating activities. This makes it difficult for many of the rural and urban poor to elevate themselves out of poverty. Continue Reading »