To advance on an improved regulatory framework for microfinance operations, the Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) of the Inter-American Development Fund (IDB) supported the activities of a regional working group lead by the Association of Supervisors of Banks of the Americas (ASBA) with the collaboration of International Consulting Consortium, Inc. (ICC, Inc.). The support included a regional survey to regulators throughout the region, which laid the basis for an initial set of draft “Guidelines of Principles for the Effective Regulation and Supervision of Microfinance Operations.” These guidelines are currently available in summary form for an industry consultation process for comments from selected industry operators.

We are seeking experts in supervision and regulation of microfinance as well as industry leaders from network organizations, investment funds and MFIs to contribute to the process of consulting the main principles in the Guidelines with the industry. We will also be widely distributing a broader survey that will cover the main points of the draft Guidelines for broader distribution and participation to ensure that all members of the microfinance industry are represented in the process. The comments from the process will be summarized in a specialized meeting during the XII Inter-American Microenterprise Forum (www.foromic.org) in Arequipa in September/October 2009 as well as in a research publication. If you are interested in participating in this process, please contact Barbara Magnoni
at bmagnoni@eac-global.com