By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] “Mexico, Indonesia and Haiti Advance Financial Inclusion with Bold Approaches to Account Opening” by Ignacio Mas and Claire Alexandre, http://centerforfinancialinclusionblog.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/mexico-indonesia-and-haiti-advance-financial-inclusion-with-bold-approaches-to-account-opening/

[2] Tracking Mobile Money Use in Haiti,
http://technology.cgap.org/2011/11/22/tracking-mobile-money-use-in-haiti/

[3] Email discussions with Ignacio Mas, Consultant on technology-enabled models for financial inclusion

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

This paper examines the microfinance business environments in 55 countries, comparing them across three categories: supporting institutional framework, political stability, and regulatory framework and practices. It is the fifth annual paper in the series, covering the 12-month period through June 2011. The research comprises data collected in 21 countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, 11 countries of Sub-Saharan Africa, seven of Eastern Europe and Central Asia, seven of East Asia, five of South Asia and four of the Middle East and North Africa.

The authors argue that while microfinance has become more mature and sustainable, the global financial downturn lead to a downgrade in the quality of some loan portfolios resulting in the need for improvement, especially within risk management. The report benchmarks the regulatory framework and operating environment in each evaluated country. The factors included in the scoring are: regulation and supervision of microcredit portfolios, legal recognition for microfinance institutions (MFIs), regulatory and supervisory capacity for microcredit and other microfinance services, deposit policies, accounting transparency, client protection, credit bureaus and political stability.

The two countries of East and South Asia that are rated as having the most favorable conditions for microfinance operations are Pakistan and Philippines. Both receive strong scores for regulatory frameworks and are in the top ten positions in the overall ranking. Cambodia, ranked 13th, also has an advantageous environment for MFIs. There is an expectation of positive change in Thailand where the Ministry of Finance has appointed new body to deal with microfinance matters and the central bank eased regulations. In China, although the number of MFIs has been growing, the sector is still in the early stages of development. India’s ranking dropped due to new regulatory limits on interest rates and lending margins. Countries such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam are still in the process of formulating regulatory mechanisms for microfinace.

Countries of Eastern Europe and Central Asia generally occupy middle positions in the ranking. The position of the Kyrgyz Republic dropped nine spots to settle at 21 as the regime change in 2010 annulled plans for modernization of relevant law. Armenia and Bosnia focused their efforts on consumer protection, and both countries score highly for financial reporting standards.

Peru and Bolivia perform best in the ranking not only in Latin America and the Caribbean region but also globally. The authors of the ranking find that in Peru the sector benefits from a well-defined legal framework and effective supervisory capacity. On the other hand, microfinance in Bolivia continues to prosper regardless of civil unrest. As the operations environment for microfinance has improved in Mexico and Panama, both countries jumped in the ranking to finish in a tie at tenth place. Brazil climbed up twelve spots as a result of strong financial inclusion and innovations in agent banking. Trinidad and Tobago, Venezuela, Haiti and Argentina are among those occupying the bottom ten spots worldwide.

The growth of microfinance has decreased in a number of Arab countries due to political unrest. Current affairs had a particularly bad influence on the operating environment in Yemen. Despite clear regulation and rapid growth in the sector in Yemen over the last several years its rank this year sank 17 positions – still the best in the Middle East and North Africa. While Egypt’s legislation does not allow the provision of microcredit by non-bank commercial companies, Morocco has been boosting its investment climate for microfinance. On the other hand, Lebanon only lightly regulates with regards to microfinance.

Kenya scores the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa and is fourth in the global ranking. Neighboring Uganda finishes ninth globally and, alongside Pakistan and Philippines, is the leader of the category for regulatory framework and practices. Rwanda ranks 15th based on government support of microfinance activities, especially in rural areas. In Nigeria, the central bank revised its microfinance policy in April 2011 but faces difficulties with enforcement. The central banks also have issues with supervising MFIs in Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana and Senegal. In Madagascar, the market size has increased and there is a comprehensive legal framework and a promotion unit, but serious transparency issues remain.

By Emilia Akonom, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

Global Microscope on the Microfinance Business Environment 2011 http://idbdocs.iadb.org/wsdocs/getdocument.aspx?docnum=36453519

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Multilateral Investment Fund (MIF) http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Multilateral+Investment+Fund+%28MIF%29

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Corporación Andina de Fomento (CAF) http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Corporaci%C3%B3n+Andina+de+Fomento+%28CAF%29

MicroCapital Universe Profile: International Finance Corporation (IFC)http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=International+Finance+Corporation+%28IFC%29

MicroCapital.org story, October 23, 2011, MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Peru Tops 2011 Global Microscope Index on Microfinance Business Environment http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-peru-tops-2011-global-microscope-index-on-microfinance-business-environment/

MicroCapital.org story, May 10, 2011, MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Banko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Convenes Microfinance Stakeholders Summit Celebrating “Microscope” Ranking from the Economist http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-bangko-sentral-ng-pilipinas-bsp-convenes-microfinance-stakeholders-summit-celebrating-microscope-ranking-from-the-economist/

MicroCapital.org story, October 15, 2010, MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: The Economist Intelligence Unit “Microscope” Study Discusses Challenges to The Rapidly Growing Microfinace Industry http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-the-economist-intelligence-unit-microscope-study-discusses-challenges-to-the-rapidly-growing-microfinance-industry/

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php

Event Date: May 14 – 17, 2012

Event Location: Johannesburg, South Africa

See Our Comprehensive Event Calendar Here: http://microfinanceassociation.ning.com/events

Cost: A pass to the two-day conference costs USD 2848 if booked by April 8, 2012, or USD 2948 thereafter. Discounted prices are available for groups of 3 people or more and for one-day passes. An add-on workshop is also available.

Summary of Event: This conference aims to highlight the development of mobile services in Africa, focusing on mobile finance, mobile health and mobile agriculture. The event will bring together representatives from each of these categories and decision makers from the mobile apps and services world to explore opportunities in banking, healthcare and agriculture.

The conference presents approximately 40 speakers from organizations including Citigroup, Grameen Foundation, Safaricom, United States Agency for International Development and the World Health Organization. Presenters will include:

Betty Mwangi-Thuo, Chief Officer New Products Division, Safaricom, Kenya
Tom Kahigu, Head of Alternative Business Channels & Innovations, Kenya Commercial Bank
Tunde Lemo; Deputy Governor, Banking Operations; Central Bank of Nigeria
Ireti Ogbu; Managing Director, Cash Management Head, Sub Saharan Africa; Citigroup; South Africa
Aiaze Mitha, Founder, Amarante Consulting, United States
Hashim Mukudi, Mcommerce Head of Department, Zantel Tanzania
Snehar Shah, Head of Orange Money, Telkom Kenya
Aleeda Fazal, Founder & Managing Director, Paradigm Solutions & Consulting, Switzerland
Remi Bankole, Head of Money Transfer Department, Intercontinental Bank, Nigeria
Yolande Van Wyk, CEO: Smart Services, First National Bank, South Africa
Temitope Akin-Fadeyi; Head, Cards Strategy & E-Channels Management; Oceanic Bank; Nigeria
Abhinav Nehra, Group Head – Domestic Bank, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated, Nigeria
Gerald Rasugu, Mobile Money Transfer Consultant, Vodafone Fiji, Kenya
Walter Andayi, Senior Consultant, RedAnt International, Kenya

Background on Organizer: The conference is organized by Clarion Events Limited, a UK-based events organizer. In 2011, Clarion Events launched the Mobile Money website, which includes news, webinars, videos, market reports and events in international mobile finance. Clarion Events has also hosted conferences on payments innovation, telecommunications, government and emerging technologies.

Event Website: http://www.mobile-money-gateway.com/event/mobile-money-africa-2012

For additional information, you may phone the Clarion Events at +44 (0) 20 7067 1831 or send an email to mmt[at]clarionevents.com

Submit Your Event: http://microfinanceassociation.ning.com/events

Sources and Additional Resources:

Mobile Money Gateway: “Mobile Money Africa 2012,” http://www.mobile-money-gateway.com/event/mobile-money-africa-2012

MicroCapital.org story, January 24, 2012, “ MICROFINANCE EVENT: ‘Mobile Money: Connected Americas’ to be held in Mexico City, March 26-March 29, 2012,” http://www.microcapital.org/microfinance-event-mobile-money-connected-americas-to-be-held-in-mexico-city-march-26-march-29-2012/

MicroCapital.org story, November 25, 2011, “MICROFINANCE EVENT: Mobile Money APAC (Asia Pacific) Conference and Expo, Singapore, January 30- February 2, 2012,” http://www.microcapital.org/microfinance-event-mobile-money-apac-asia-pacific-conference-and-expo-singapore-january-30-%E2%80%93-february-2-2012/

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

Several mobile money providers offer mobile money services. The local office of India’s Airtel partnered with US-based MasterCard Worldwide and UK-based Standard Chartered Bank to launch a mobile shopping platform called PayOnlineInKenya in September 2011 [1] [2]. France’s Orange Money launched the Orange Money Visa Card, which allows phones to work as debit cards [1]. The mobile money service M-Pesa, which was developed by UK-based Vodafone Group Private Limited Corporation, is offered by local mobile phone service provider Safaricom. As of March 2011, M-Pesa reports having 13.8 million registered customers, roughly one third of Kenya’s population.

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

About M-Pesa: M-Pesa is a Kenyan mobile money service. The “M” stands for “mobile,” and “pesa” means “cash” in Swahili. Launched in 2007 by Safaricom Limited, a Kenya-based cellphone service provider, M-Pesa was developed by Vodafone Group Private Limited Corporation, a British multinational mobile network operator. As of March 2011, M-Pesa reports having 13.8 million registered customers, roughly one third of Kenya’s population.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Mobile phone money transfers race ahead of debit cards
http://www.businessdailyafrica.com/Corporate+News/Mobile+phone+money+transfers+race+ahead+of+debit+cards+/-/539550/1302062/-/h5j8tm/-/

[2] Bharti Airtel http://www.airtel.in/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: M-Pesa,
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=M-Pesa

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Standard Chartered PLC,
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Standard+Chartered+PLC

MicroCapital.org story, August 16, 2010, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Microfinance Reach Expands in Kenya As Safaricom Capitalizes on Kenyan Government Requirement to Register All Mobile Phone Users,”
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-microfinance-reach-expands-in-kenya-as-safaricom-capitalizes-on-kenyan-government-requirement-to-register-all-mobile-phone-users/

MicroCapital.org story, August 3, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Central Bank of Kenya Requires Mobile Phone Carriers to Adopt Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard,”
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-central-bank-of-kenya-requires-mobile-phone-carriers-to-adopt-payment-card-industry-data-security-standard/

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

In 2010, Triodos Bank reported total assets of EUR 3.4 million (USD 4.4 million). In the same year, FMO disbursed approximately EUR 2.5 million (USD 3.3 million) in loans.

About Triodos
Based in the Netherlands, Triodos Investment Management manages several funds that provide risk capital including Triodos Venture Capital Fund BV and Triodos Ventures BV. The firm invests in financial sector development in developing countries, renewable energy finance and venture capital. Triodos also manages four microfinance investment funds: the Hivos-Triodos Fund, the Triodos-Doen Foundation, the Triodos Fair Share Fund and Triodos Microfinance Fund. As of December 31, 2010, Triodos’ four microfinance funds had USD 338 million in assets under management.

About Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappijvoor Ontwikkelingslanden NV
The Netherlands Development Finance Company (FMO) is a public-private development bank which supports financial institutions and countries through “loans, participations, guarantees and other investment promotion activities.” It was founded in 1970 by the “Dutch government, private sector, employers and employee organizations.” It has access to government funds and therefore can take higher risks with their investments including long-term finance. It also specializes in local-currency finance. In 2010, FMO distributed approximately EUR 2.5 million (USD 3.3 million) in loans.

By Charlotte Newman, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

Information sent to MicroCapital from Triodos Bank, “Press Release: FMO and Triodos Bank Launch Upsides.com”

Triodos Bank: Annual Report 2010: http://report.triodos.co.uk/en/2010/financials/consolidatedfinancialstatements/balancesheet.html?cat=m

MicroCapital.org story, October 15, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Triodos Invests in Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) Advans Ghana, KixiCrédito of Angola, TYM Fund of Vietnam, Belarusian Bank for Small Business,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-triodos-invests-in-microfinance-institutions-mfis-advans-ghana-kixicredito-of-angola-tym-fund-of-vietnam-belarusian-bank-for-small-business/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Triodos Investment Management
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Triodos+Investment+Management

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappijvoor Ontwikkelingslanden NV
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Nederlandse+Financierings-Maatschappijvoor+Ontwikkelingslanden+N.V.+%28Netherlands+Development+Finance+Company%2C+FMO%29

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

About the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN): The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) was established in 1958 as Nigeria’s central banking authority. As defined by the Act of Parliament that created CBN, its statutory mandates are as follows: “to issue legal tender currency; to maintain external reserves; to safeguard the international value of the legal tender currency; to promote monetary stability and a sound financial system in Nigeria; and to act as banker and financial adviser to the Federal Government.” As of July 2011, CBN reports total assets of NGN 8.37 trillion (the equivalent of USD 54 billion).

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] CBN exempts microfinance banks,
http://www.thenationonlineng.net/2011/index.php/business/money/35232-cbn-exempts-microfinance-banks.html

MicroCapital.org story, January 22, 2012, MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: To Promote Electronic Payments, Central Bank of Nigeria Taxing Cash Transactions, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-to-promote-electronic-payments-central-bank-of-nigeria-taxing-cash-transactions/

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

As reported in a MicroCapital story in January, Kiva has recently piloted a peer-to-peer platform called Kiva Zip in Kenya and the US city of San Francisco. In 2011, approximately USD 90 million in loans were made via Kiva and its 146 partner microfinance institutions (MFIs) to borrowers in 60 countries. As of June 2010, United Prosperity reports working with 850 families that have received total loans worth USD 165,000. Zidisha reports that it has facilitated approximately USD 50,000 in loans from 250 lenders to 80 low-income entrepreneurs in Kenya and Senegal as of 2011.

By Nisha Koul, Research Associate

About Kiva: Incorporated in 2005, Kiva is a US-based online portal allowing individuals to make loans to microfinance institutions (MFIs), which then make loans to people with low incomes. As of September 2011, Kiva reports that: it has engaged 990,000 users, 625,000 of whom have funded a loan; 81 percent of loans have been made to women entrepreneurs; the repayment rate on these loans is 98.9 percent; and the average loan size is USD 385. In 2011, approximately USD 90 million in loans was funded through Kiva and Kiva’s field partner MFIs to microentrepreneurs in 60 developing and rich countries.

About United Prosperity: Launched in May 2009 in the US as an NGO, United Prosperity aims to help entrepreneurs and “transform the lives of their families and communities.” It uses a variation of the microlending model of crowdfunding wherein the money contributed by lenders is used as collateral or a loan guarantee with a local bank which then lends double the amount to the microentrepreneur through a local microfinance institution (MFI). United Prosperity claims that this helps the microentrepreneur build a strong relationship and credit history with the MFI and the local banking system. As of June 2010, United Prosperity reports working with 850 families that have received total loans worth USD 165,000.

About Zidisha: Zidisha is a nonprofit organization that was launched in 2009 in the US by Julia Kurney, a founding partner of Senegal Ecovillage Microfinance (SEM). Zidisha intermediates loans from individuals to entrepreneurs with credit histories in Senegal and Kenya. Lenders are able to browse listings written by the entrepreneurs themselves and then bid on interest rates with the entrepreneur able to select the lowest offered rate. As of 2011, Zidisha has facilitated approximately USD 50,000 in loans from 250 lenders to 80 low-income entrepreneurs in Kenya and Senegal. As of 2011, Zidisha reports a 100 percent repayment rate.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Social Media Week, “Crowdfunding Platforms: To Each Their Own,” http://socialmediaweek.org/blog/2012/01/02/crowdfunding-platforms-to-each-their-own/

MicroCapital.org story, January 26, 2012, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Kiva Piloting Peer-to-Peer Microfinance Lending Platform Kiva Zip in Kenya, San Francisco,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-kiva-piloting-peer-to-peer-microfinance-lending-platform-kiva-zip-in-kenya-san-francisco/

MicroCapital.org story, January 22, 2012, “MICROFINANCE OPINION: Crowdfunding May Be Next Frontier for Microenterpirse Funding,” http://www.microcapital.org/microfinance-opinion-crowdfunding-may-be-next-frontier-for-microenterpirse-funding/

MicroCapital.org story, September 8, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) in India Attempt to Raise Funds Using “Crowd Sourcing,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-microfinance-institutions-mfis-in-india-attempt-to-raise-funds-using-%E2%80%9Ccrowd-sourcing%E2%80%9D/

MicroCapital.org story, May 5, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: 17 Websites Now Allow Individuals to Commit as Little as USD 20 as Microfinance Loans,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-17-websites-now-allow-individuals-to-commit-as-little-as-usd-20-as-microfinance-loans/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Kiva, http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Kiva

MicroCapital Universe Profile: United Prosperity, http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=United+Prosperity

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Zidisha, http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Zidisha.org

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

The US-based Microfinance Information Exchange, US-based data visualization company Development Seed and the Canada-based MasterCard Foundation have partnered to map microfinance data in Nigeria. In the Philippines, the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC), a governmental microfinance organization, has partnered with Philippines-based Key2Flex to use GIS software to analyze microfinance information.

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

About the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX): The Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) is a US-based nonprofit provider of performance data and analysis on microfinance institutions (MFIs), funders, networks and service providers dedicated to serving the financial needs of low-income clients. The mission of MIX is to strengthen the microfinance sector and financial inclusion in general by promoting transparency. The organization’s MIX Market website offers access to financial and social performance information covering approximately 2,000 MFIs. MIX publications include the MicroBanking Bulletin and MIX Microfinance World, which feature periodic research and data analysis. Incorporated in 2002, MIX is headquartered in Washington, DC, with regional offices in Azerbaijan, India, Morocco and Peru. Its supporters include the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), Omidyar Network, The MasterCard Foundation, the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development, the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, Citi Foundation, Ford Foundation and Deutsche Bank.

About the MasterCard Foundation: Based in Canada, the MasterCard Foundation is a private foundation with the goal of enabling people living in poverty to improve their lives with increased access to microfinance and education. The foundation was established in 2006 by a gift of shares from global payment processor MasterCard Worldwide during the company’s initial public offering. As of 2010, the MasterCard Foundation reported approximately CAD 3 billion (the equivalent of USD 2.9 billion) in assets.

About the People’s Credit and Finance Corporation: The People’s Credit and Finance Corporation (PCFC) is a government-owned finance company based in Manila, Philippines. Its sole focus is microfinance, and it is mandated by the government to provide financial services to the poor through retail microfinance institutions. As of December 31, 2010, the PCFC had total assets of PHP 3.78 billion (USD 88.2 million).

Sources and Resources:

[1] Geospatial Analysis for Financial Inclusion Tracking
http://mmublog.org/blog/geospatial-analysis-for-financial-inclusion-tracking/

Mapping Nigerian Microfinance Banks
http://www.themix.org/publications/mix-microfinance-world/2011/08/mapping-nigerian-microfinance-banks

Philippines’ PCFC to develop Microfinance Geographic Information System
http://www.microfinancefocus.com/news/2010/05/25/philippines%E2%80%99-pcfc-to-develop-microfinance-geographic-information-system/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Microcapital Universe: Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Microfinance+Information+Exchange+%28MIX%29

MicroCapital Universe Profile: MasterCard Foundation
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=MasterCard+Foundation

MicroCapital Universe Profile: People’s Credit and Finance Corporation
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=People%27s+Credit+and+Finance+Corporation+%28PCFC%29

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

Opportunity plans to use the grant to further develop its mobile phone banking services, increase the number of point-of-sale (POS) devices which clients can use to conduct business transactions at non-bank retailers and grow its mobile bank services, in which mobile banks equipped with netbook computers travel to communities that do not have access to traditional banks. The grant will largely focus on expanding these services in Ghana, Malawi, Mozambique, Uganda and Colombia. An unspecified portion of the grant will also help fund Opportunity’s Next Generation Microfinance Bankers training program, which will create and implement training programs for loan officers and customer service staff.

At the end of 2010, Credit Suisse reported total assets of USD 1.1 trillion. For the same year, Opportunity reported total assets of USD 150 million, and as of 2012 it has 44 partner microfinance organizations.

About Credit Suisse
Credit Suisse is a global financial services company that was founded in 1856 and has its headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. Credit Suisse provides advisory services and financial products to institutions and individuals around the world. As of December 31, 2010, Credit Suisse reported total assets of USD 1.1 trillion.

About Opportunity International
Based in the United States, Opportunity International is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1971. Today, Opportunity International provides small business loans, savings, insurance and training to approximately two million poor people in 24 countries in Africa, Asia, South America and Eastern Europe. As of December 31, 2010, Opportunity International reported total assets of USD 150 million with an annual revenue of USD 32 million.

By Charlotte Newman, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

MarketWatch: “Opportunity International Gains Funding to Expand Technology and Training Programs, Provide Financial Tools to the World’s Poorest Citizens,” http://www.marketwatch.com/story/opportunity-international-gains-funding-to-expand-technology-and-training-programs-provide-financial-tools-to-the-worlds-poorest-citizens-2012-01-24

MicroCapital.org story, January 17, 2012, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: responsAbility Lends $3m to Microfinance Institutions Advans Cameroun, Opportunity International Bank of Malawi,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-responsability-lends-3m-to-microfinance-institutions-advans-cameroun-opportunity-international-bank-of-malawi/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Credit Suisse
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Credit+Suisse

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Opportunity International
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Opportunity+International

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/

The other five members of the Bankers Without Borders Alliance are Contactar, a Colombia-based MFI; ACCESS Development Services, an Indian nonprofit consultant to MFIs; Promuc, a network of Peruvian community banks; Microfinance Innovation Center for Resources and Alternatives (MICRA), an Indonesian microfinance development foundation; and Association for Enterprise Opportunity, a US-based microenterprise development association.

About Bankers Without Borders
Bankers Without Borders is a volunteer program started by the US-based Grameen Foundation that supports microfinance and technology initiatives related to finance in poor countries. It was founded in 2008 and as of January 2012 is working with MFIs in 13 countries. It has received funding from US-based bank JP Morgan Chase and the US-based Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.

About the Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions
Established in Ethiopia in June 1999, the Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions (AEMFI) is a nonprofit organization serving as a medium through which microfinance practitioners can advance their goals and work towards the expansion of the microfinance industry in Ethiopia. AEMFI members include registered and licensed microfinance institutions, institutions indirectly involved in microfinance activities and individuals. As of 2011, the association includes 30 member MFIs.

By Charlotte Newman, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

Bankers without Borders: “Grameen Foundation Selects AEMFI to Join Bankers without Borders Alliance,” http://www.bankerswithoutborders.com/aboutus/press-room/grameen-foundation-selects-aemfi-join-bankers-without-borders%C2%AE-alliance

MicroCapital story, September 26, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Microfinance Innovation Center for Resources and Alternatives (MICRA) of Philippines to Join Grameen Foundation’s Bankers without Borders Alliance, Organize Volunteer Consultants Working with Microfinance Institutions,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-microfinance-innovation-center-for-resources-and-alternatives-micra-of-philippines-to-join-grameen-foundation%E2%80%99s-bankers-without-borders-alliance-organize-volunteer-consu/

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Bankers Without Borders
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Bankers+Without+Borders+%28BwB%29

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Association+of+Ethiopian+Microfinance+Institutions

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Grameen Foundation
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Grameen+Foundation

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Contactar
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Contactar

MicroCapital Universe Profile: ACCESS Development Services http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=ACCESS+Development+Services

Browse the MicroCapital Universe and add your entry to the wiki at http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/