Mr Ehrbeck has 20 years of experience in banking, management and the public sector and has held various leadership positions while a partner at McKinsey & Company. During the past ten years, Mr Ehrbeck has advised microfinance networks, private foundations, governments and commercial entities on strategies to improve financial access.

Mr Ehrbeck holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Hamburg and a PhD in economics from the European University Institute, a post-graduate school and research institute sponsored by the European Union.

By Jennifer Shevock, Research Associate

About CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor):
Housed at the World Bank Group, CGAP is an independent policy and research center dedicated to providing financial access for the world’s poor. CGAP is supported by over thirty development agencies and private foundations. Its mission is to provide market intelligence, to promote standards and to offer advisory services to governments, microfinance providers, donors and investors.

Source and Additional Resources:
“Tilman Ehrbeck Named as New CEO of CGAP” August 31, 2010. http://microfinanceafrica.net/news/tilman-ehrbeck-named-as-new-ceo-of-cgap/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “CGAP Launches Financial Inclusion Regulation Center to House Information on National Regulatory Environments” August 20, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-cgap-launches-financial-inclusion-regulation-center-to-house-information-on-national-regulatory-environments/#more-6577

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “CGAP Responds to Criticisms From Dr Sanjay Sinha, Managing Director at Micro-Credit Ratings International (M-CRIL) of India” August 13, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-cgap-responds-to-criticisms-from-dr-sanjay-sinha-managing-director-at-micro-credit-ratings-international-m-cril-of-india/#more-6409

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Mr Vijay Mahajan, President of Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN) and Chairman of CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), Argues Banks Should Charge Microfinance Institutions Less than 10%” July 15, 2010.
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mr-vijay-mahajan-president-of-microfinance-institutions-network-mfin-and-chairman-of-cgap-consultative-group-to-assist-the-poor-argues-banks-should-charge-microfinance-instit/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Elizabeth Littlefield, Former CEO of CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), Confirmed As President and CEO of Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)” June 28, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-elizabeth-littlefield-former-ceo-of-cgap-consultative-group-to-assist-the-poor-confirmed-as-president-and-ceo-of-overseas-private-investment-corporation-opic/

MicroCapital Universe: CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor): http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=CGAP+(Consultative+Group+to+Assist+the+Poor)

MicroCapital Universe: World Bank Group: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=The+World+Bank+Group

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

The benefit of the monthly repayment model is that it could better match the cash flows of certain customers, who generate monthly income or find it more convenient to pay monthly. Using a monthly plan, MFIs may be able to keep the client base intact for a longer time as customers’ needs are met thus they are less likely to seek the services of a different microfinance institution or be subject to loan poachers. Another benefit of the monthly repayment model is that MFIs’ administrative costs of collection are reduced.

However, with the monthly repayment model the MFIs are exposed to a larger loan size and term, thereby potentially increasing the credit risk of the loans. Also, due to the payment structure of the monthly model, the effective interest rate is generally lower for loans on a monthly schedule.

By Jennifer Shevock, Research Associate

About Spandana Sphoorty Financial Limited:
Spandana Sphoorty Financial Limited provides microcredit and credit-plus services to low-income households in India. The Company was founded by Padmaja Reddy in 1998 and receives its funding from development financial institutions and banks. Spandana Sphoorty reported total assets of INR 26.8 billion (USD 580 million) as of March 31, 2010.

About Bharatiya Samruddhi Finance Limited (BSFL):
Bhartiya Samruddhi Finance Limited (BSFL) is a regulated non-banking finance company based in Hyderabad, India, that was founded in 1997. It is part of the BASIX Group, which provides financial services, agricultural/business development services and institutional development services to rural poor households and organizations that serve them. As of March 31, 2009, BSFL had a gross loan portfolio of USD 73.6 million, total assets of USD 111 million, return on assets of 1.8 percent, return on equity of 15.6 percent and 499,000 active clients.

About Trident Microfin Private Limited:
Trident Microfin Private Limited (formerly Annapurna Financial Services Private Limited) is a microfinance institution established in 2007 and headquartered at Hyderabad in Andhra Pradesh, India. The goal of the company is to provide financial and business solutions to low-income individuals and enterprises.

About Janalakshmi Financial Services (JFS):
Janalakshmi Financial Services (JFS) is a microfinance institution located in India. It is focused primarily on urban customers and offers loans, savings and microinsurance products. As of March 8, 2010, it operates in six cities, has over 100,000 customers and a gross loan portfolio of INR 850 million, the equivalent of over USD 18.6 million.

Sources and Additional Resources:
[1] “MFIs find part-shift to monthly repayments an advantage” August 29, 2010. http://www.business-standard.com/india/storypage.php?autono=406196

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Indian Microfinance Institution Spandana Sphoorty’s Board Actively Evaluating an Initial Public Offering (IPO)” August 5, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-indian-microfinance-institution-spandana-sphoorty%e2%80%99s-board-actively-evaluating-an-initial-public-offering-ipo/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Promoters of Indian Microfinance Institution (MFI), Bharatiya Samruddhi Finance Limited (BSFL), Buy Back Seven Percent Stake from ICICI Bank, International Finance Corporation (IFC) and Shorecap International Limited” July 20, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-promoters-of-indian-microfinance-institution-mfi-bharatiya-samruddhi-finance-limited-bsfl-buyback-seven-percent-stake-from-icici-bank-international-finance-corporation-ifc/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Janalakshmi Financial Services (JFS), a Microfinance Institution (MFI) Located in India, Raises $10m from Funders Including Tree Line Asia Master Fund (Singapore) Private Limited and Bellwether Microfinance Fund” March 9, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-janalakshmi-financial-services-jfs-a-microfinance-institution-mfi-located-in-india-raises-10m-from-funders-including-tree-line-asia-master-fund-singapore-private-limited-a/#more-4533

MicroCapital Universe: Spandana Sphoorty: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Spandana+Sphoorty+Financial+Ltd

MicroCapital Universe: Bharatiya Samruddhi Finance Limited (BSFL): http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Bhartiya+Samruddhi+Finance+Ltd+(BSFL)

MicroCapital Universe: Trident Microfin Private Limited: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Trident+Microfin+Private+Limited

MicroCapital Universe: Janalakshmi Financial Services (JFS): http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Janalakshmi+Financial+Services+%28JFS%29

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

This is IFC’s second microfinance bond. In October 2009, FC announced its first plan to raise USD 300 million for microfinance services by issuing bonds to Japanese retail investors [2]. The bond it subsequently issued in November 2009 raised approximately JPY 25 billion (the equivalent of USD 296 million) [1]. In June 2010, Daiwa Securities Group Inc announced its intention to issue bonds to Japanese investors to support the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), a London-based international development finance institution that focuses on Eastern Europe and Central Asia [3].

By Lindsey Shaughnessy, Research Associate

About Daiwa Securities Group Inc: Daiwa Securities Group Inc, founded in 1999, is the Tokyo-based holding company of group financial services companies that operate in Asia, Europe, Oceania and the United States. As of June 31, 2010, Daiwa Securities Capital Markets Company Limited reported total assets of JPY 14.7 billion (the equivalent of USD 173 million).

About the International Finance Corporation (IFC): A member of the World Bank Group, the International Finance Corporation (IFC) offers loan and debt securities, equity investments, advisory services and technical assistance to alleviate poverty and promote open and competitive markets in developing countries. The IFC has 182 member countries that “collectively determine its policies, and approve investments.” In fiscal year 2009, IFC’s new investments totaled USD 14.5 billion.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] International Finance Corporation, “IFC, Daiwa Announce Second Bond to Support Microfinance in Emerging Markets”, September 1, 2010. http://www.ifc.org/IFCExt/pressroom/IFCPressRoom.nsf/0/98A1607893F00883852577910072CD37?OpenDocument

[2] MICROCAPITAL STORY: “IFC to Raise $300m in Bond Issue in Japan Market for Microfinance Programs”, October 28, 2009. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapitalorg-story-ifc-to-raise-300m-in-bond-issue-in-japan-market-for-microfinance-programs/

[3] MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Daiwa Securities Group to Issue Bonds in Japanese Market to Support Operations of European Bank for Reconstruction and Development”, June 8, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-daiwa-securities-group-to-issue-bonds-in-japanese-market-to-support-operations-of-european-bank-for-reconstruction-and-development-ebrd/

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: Daiwa Securities Group Inc

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: International Finance Corporation (IFC)

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

The Banking on Change Initiative partnership is intended to develop savings and loans groups managed by local communities themselves, enabling individuals to save regularly and access small loans from groups’ combined savings [1].

By Jennifer Shevock, Research Associate

About Barclays:
Barclays is a London-based international financial services provider that operates in more than 50 countries. Barclays offers wealth management, investment banking, personal banking and corporate banking services. As of fiscal year 2009, Barclays reported total assets of USD 2.1 trillion.

About CARE International:
CARE International (CARE) is a Switzerland-based, global non-governmental organization with poverty reduction programs aimed at developing women’s economic capabilities. Founded in 1945 and originally established as a means to send supplies to post-war Europe from America, it has evolved into a large-scale humanitarian organization. As of June 30, 2009, CARE supported approximately 800 projects in 72 countries to reach 59 million people and reported total assets of USD 952 million.

About Plan International:
Plan International is a UK-based children’s development organization founded in 1940. It works in 48 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas with the goal of promoting child rights and lifting children out of poverty. From mid-year 2008 to mid-year 2009, Plan International’s expenditure on programs was USD 466 million.

Sources and Additional Resources:
[1] Banking on Change Program: http://group.barclays.com/Sustainability/Community-investment/Banking-on-Brighter-Futures/Banking-on-Change
“Barclays launches Microfinance Initiative in India” August 26, 2010. http://indiamicrofinance.com/barclays-care.html

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Barclays Commits $50m to African Microfinance Groups Including Village Savings and Loans Associations” August 27, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-barclays-commits-50m-to-african-microfinance-groups-including-village-savings-and-loans-associations/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Barclays Launches ‘Banking for Billions’ Report on Improving Access to Financial Services and Expanding Microfinance” June 22, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-barclays-launches-banking-for-billions-report-on-improving-access-to-financial-services-and-expanding-microfinance/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Barclays Bank and Development Organizations CARE International and Plan International Launch Microfinance Project in Ghana as Part of Larger Multi-Country Initiative” June 3, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-barclays-bank-and-development-organizations-care-international-and-plan-international-launch-microfinance-project-in-ghana-as-part-of-larger-multi-country-initiative/

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

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

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

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

The National Bank of Ethiopia (NBE) recently announced its forthcoming installation of a national payment system by June 30, 2011, and also mandated that banks must install centralized, online, real-time, electronic (CORE) banking solutions in order to do business with NBE. MFIES has already approached several banks with offers to tailor Polaris’ software to already installed CORE banking software, and is offering others a full suite of Polaris banking software [1].

By Lindsey Shaughnessy, Research Associate

About MFI Enterprise Solutions: MFI Enterprise Solutions, a subsidiary of the MFI Group, is an information technology services and solutions provider that operates in eight countries. MFI Enterprise Solutions offers services and solutions for enterprise content management and workflow, information and communications technology infrastructure, enterprise resource planning and telecommunications.

About Polaris Software Lab Limited: Polaris Software Lab Limited (Polaris), founded in 1993, is an India-based banking, financial services and insurance software company. Polaris software is specialized for investment banking, retail banking, credit cards, corporate banking and insurance. Polaris employees approximately 10,500 associates in 23 countries.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Addis Fortune, “Polaris, MFI Team up to Modernise Ethiopian Finance” by Aderajew Asfaw, August 29, 2010. http://addisfortune.com/Polaris,%20MFI%20Team%20up%20to%20Modernise%20Ethiopian%20Finance.htm

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: MFI Enterprise Solutions

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: Polaris Software Lab Limited

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

One of the certification program supporters is the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX), a source for published financial and social performance data on microfinance institutions. “Poverty measurement is one of the standard social performance indicators that [the] MIX collects and analyzes,” says Mr Micol Pistelli, Manager of the MIX Social Performance Program. “Establishing a set of easily verifiable standards for PPI implementation would significantly enhance the quality of PPI data reported to MIX and improve poverty analysis overall” [1].

The PPI standards cover the poverty data collection process, data analysis and reporting. The PPIs are intended to allow microfinance institutions to better determine their clients’ needs, and assess which microfinance programs are most effective, how quickly clients leave poverty and what helps people move out of poverty faster.

Jennifer Shevock, Research Associate

About Grameen Foundation:
The Grameen Foundation, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., aims to help microfinance institutions throughout the world replicate the microfinance model of the Grameen Bank http://www.grameen-info.org/ . It provides financial, technological and managerial support for local organizations and intends to provide new business opportunities and telecommunication services to the rural poor. Though the Grameen Foundation is independent of the Grameen Bank, Muhammad Yunus, the founder of the Grameen Bank, serves on the foundation’s Board of Directors. Grameen Foundation reported total assets of USD 25 million as of March 31, 2009.

Sources and Additional Resources:
[1] “Grameen Foundation Develops Standards to Strengthen Use of the Progress out of Poverty Index™ (PPI™)” http://www.grameenfoundation.org/press-releases/grameen-foundation-develops-standards-strengthen-use-progress-out-poverty-index%E2%84%A2-ppi%E2%84%A2

“Grameen Foundation Wins $200,000 in Funding from American Express” http://www.grameenfoundation.org/press-releases/grameen-foundation-wins-200000-funding-american-express

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Grameen Foundation Announces Official Launch of Mifos.com to Promote Microfinance Institution Management Software” August 20, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-grameen-foundation-announces-official-launch-of-mifos-com-to-promote-microfinance-institution-management-software/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Bankers Without Borders (BwB) Receives $150,000 in Seed Capital for Alliance Program from JP Morgan’s Social Finance Unit” August 17, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-bankers-without-borders-bwb-receives-150000-in-seed-capital-for-alliance-program-from-jp-morgan%E2%80%99s-social-finance-unit/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Grameen Foundation Receives $125,000 from Citi Foundation to Help Improve Human Capital Management Practices at Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)” August 9, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-grameen-foundation-receives-125000-from-citi-foundation-to-help-improve-human-capital-management-practices-at-microfinance-institutions-mfis/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Grameen Foundation Releases Paper, “Measuring the Impact of Microfinance: Taking Another Look” by Professor Kathleen Odell” July 6, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-grameen-foundation-releases-paper-%E2%80%9Cmeasuring-the-impact-of-microfinance-taking-another-look%E2%80%9D-by-professor-kathleen-odell/

MICROCAPITAL STORY: “Grameen Foundation and Oikocredit Offer Progress out of Poverty Index as Cornerstone of Socially Motivated Microfinance Investment Guidelines” February 26, 2009. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-story-grameen-foundation-and-oikocredit-offer-progress-out-of-poverty-index-as-cornerstone-of-socially-motivated-microfinance-investment-guidelines/

Progress out of Poverty Index: http://progressoutofpoverty.org/understanding-the-progress-out-poverty-index

Microfinance Information Exchange: http://www.mixmarket.org

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

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

The Grameen Foundation will use the funding to continue supporting microfinance institutions and promoting access to farming and health information to people in poor communities through mobile phones. The Grameen Foundation reported total assets of USD 25 million as of March 31, 2009.

Jennifer Shevock, Research Associate

About Grameen Foundation:
The Grameen Foundation, a nonprofit based in Washington, D.C., aims to help microfinance institutions throughout the world replicate the microfinance model of the Grameen Bank http://www.grameen-info.org/ . It provides financial, technological and managerial support for local organizations and intends to provide new business opportunities and telecommunication services to the rural poor. Though the Grameen Foundation is independent of the Grameen Bank, Muhammad Yunus, the founder of the Grameen Bank, serves on the foundation’s Board of Directors. Grameen Foundation reported total assets of USD 25 million as of March 31, 2009.

Sources and Additional Resources:
“Grameen Foundation Wins $200,000 in Funding from American Express” http://www.grameenfoundation.org/press-releases/grameen-foundation-wins-200000-funding-american-express

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Grameen Foundation Announces Official Launch of Mifos.com to Promote Microfinance Institution Management Software” August 20, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-grameen-foundation-announces-official-launch-of-mifos-com-to-promote-microfinance-institution-management-software/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Bankers Without Borders (BwB) Receives $150,000 in Seed Capital for Alliance Program from JP Morgan’s Social Finance Unit” August 17, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-bankers-without-borders-bwb-receives-150000-in-seed-capital-for-alliance-program-from-jp-morgan%E2%80%99s-social-finance-unit/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Grameen Foundation Receives $125,000 from Citi Foundation to Help Improve Human Capital Management Practices at Microfinance Institutions (MFIs)” August 9, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-grameen-foundation-receives-125000-from-citi-foundation-to-help-improve-human-capital-management-practices-at-microfinance-institutions-mfis/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: “Grameen Foundation Releases Paper, “Measuring the Impact of Microfinance: Taking Another Look” by Professor Kathleen Odell” July 6, 2010. http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-grameen-foundation-releases-paper-%E2%80%9Cmeasuring-the-impact-of-microfinance-taking-another-look%E2%80%9D-by-professor-kathleen-odell/

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

American Express and TakePart Members Project: http://www.takepart.com/membersproject

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

About Suryoday Micro Finance Private Limited:

Suryoday Micro Finance Private Limited is an Indian microfinance institution (MFI) that was founded in 2009. It aims to provide products and services to the economically challenged in India with the hope of generating higher incomes, building an asset base and achieving sustainable standards of living. Suryoday reports total assets of USD 4.57 million, a gross loan portfolio of USD 3.47 million and 24,678 borrowers as of March 2010.

About MV Microfin Private Limited:

MV Microfin Private Limited is a Bangalore based non-banking financial company (NBFC) that was founded in 2009. It provides financial services to MicroVentures India, a private equity firm that invests in microfinance institutions (MFIs) in India. MV Microfin Private Limited does not report to the MIX.

Matthew Fox, Research Assistant

Sources and Additional Resources:

Microfinance Focus: MicroVentures India Lends INR 35m to Suryoday Microfinance, 30 August 2010: http://www.microfinancefocus.com/news/2010/08/30/microventures-india-lends-inr-35m-to-suryoday-microfinance/

MicroCapital Universe: Suryoday Micro Finance Private Limited: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Suryoday+Micro+Finance+Private+Limited

MicroCapital Universe: MV Microfin Private Limited: http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=MV+Microfin+Private+Limited

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

State banks who already have microfinance programs such as the Government Savings Bank (GSB) and the Bank for Agriculture and Agricultural Co-operatives (BAAC) “would collaborate [with the postal service] to establish ‘local financial advisers’ to offer assistance to villagers about basic household financial planning and accounting” Mr Chtikavan said.

By Matthew Fox, Research Assistant

Sources and Additional Resources

The Bangkok Post: Thailand Post May Provide Microfinance Centers, 31 August 2010: http://www.bangkokpost.com/business/economics/193808/thailand-post-may-provide-microfinance-centres

According to Freedom from Hunger, the combined microfinance and health services offered by these five banks included “health savings, health loans, health insurance, health education, group discounts with health providers, mobile healthcare in rural villages, distribution of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, and more” [1]. Freedom from Hunger conducted research and evaluation for the duration of the project in order to qualify the impact of the offerings. Freedom from Hunger concluded that these health protection products can be offered “inexpensively” by some microfinance institutions (MFIs); “can differentiate an MFI in a crowded market, help attract new clients and enhance loyalty”; and “can carry a value for clients that exceeds the MFI’s cost of providing them, making for impressive net social value creation and contribution to social mission” [2].

Myka Reinsch, Special Advisor at Freedom from Hunger, sums up the results thusly: “Our experience has shown that well-established microfinance banks can offer valuable health-related options to their clients at low or no cost to the bank itself. In fact, our research results indicate that, in some cases, the resulting increase in client attraction and loyalty may lead to a net financial gain for the banks” [1].

To view Freedom from Hunger’s resources on microfinance and health, including the MAHP research paper, you may visit the following URL: http://www.ffhtechnical.org/resources/microfinance-health. To view Freedom from Hunger’s 12-minute video entitled “Healthy Microfinance: Innovations in Microfinance and Health Services”, you may visit the following URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ652vEa4Ko.

By Lindsey Shaughnessy, Research Associate

About Freedom from Hunger: Freedom from Hunger, first called “Meals for Millions”, is an international development nonprofit based in Davis, California.  Freedom from Hunger works with local partners to alleviate hunger and poverty in sixteen countries around the world. Its microfinance programs service approximately two million families worldwide. As of 2009, Freedom from Hunger reported total assets of USD 6.07 million.

About The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation provides grants to organizations within the United States and in more than 100 countries around the world with the aims of enhancing health care, reducing poverty and expanding educational opportunities and access to information technology. As of September 2009, the asset trust endowment totaled USD 34.2 billion. The Foundation has made commitments of USD 21.1 billion since its inception in 1994.

About Bandhan of India: Bandhan is a non-government organization that is registered with the Reserve Bank of India. Bandhan was established to address poverty alleviation and to empower women through microfinance. As of first quarter 2010, Bandhan reported to the to the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX), the microfinance information clearinghouse, total assets of USD 424 million, a gross loan portfolio of USD 265 million and 2,301,433 active borrowers.

About Crédito con Educación Rural (CRECER): Crédito con Educación Rural (CRECER) is a private nonprofit organization that provides credit services to women in Bolivia. CRECER’s Credit with Education product is based on the village banking methodology, where group members of a village savings and loans association (VSLA) informally pool, manage and loan capital to other group members. As of mid-year 2010, CRECER reported to the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX), the microfinance information clearinghouse, total assets of USD 55.2 million, a gross loan portfolio of USD 50 million, and 101,000 active borrowers.

About the Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD): The Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) is a group of institutions, including a bank, that provides grants, lending, savings, training and consulting services. CARD aims to provide loans mainly to landless rural women. CARD launched the Landless People’s Development Fund in 1990 as its credit arm. As of year-end 2009, CARD reported to the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX), the microfinance information clearinghouse, total assets of USD 63.8 million, a gross loan portfolio of USD 46.2 million and 497,441 active borrowers.

About the Association pour la Promotion et l’ Appui au Développement de MicroEntreprises (PADME): The Association pour la Promotion et l’ Appui au Développement de MicroEntreprises (PADME), begun as the Projet d’Appui au Développement de Micro-Entreprises in 1993, is a nonprofit that operates in Benin. PADME aims to provide Beninois microentrepreneurs with capacity building grants and access to credit. As of year-end 2009, PADME reported to the Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX), the microfinance information clearinghouse, total assets of USD 58.1 million, a gross loan portfolio of USD 36.4 million and 48,962 active borrowers.

About Réseau des Caisses Populaires du Burkina (RCPB) of Burkina Faso: Réseau des Caisses Populaires du Burkina (RCPB) is a Burkina Faso-based credit union and cooperative. RCPB offers loans, savings and funds transfer services to its members. As of year-end 2009, RCPB reported total assets of USD 223 million, a gross loan portfolio of USD 134 million and 112,166 active borrowers.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] Free Press Release, “Freedom from Hunger Shows How Banking and Healthcare Can Work Together for the World’s Poor”, August 30, 2010. http://www.prlog.org/10891583-freedom-from-hunger-shows-how-banking-and-healthcare-can-work-together-for-the-worlds-poor.html

Freedom from Hunger, “YouTube video: Healthy Microfinance: Innovations in Microfinance and Health Services”, April 6, 2010. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJ652vEa4Ko

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: Freedom from Hunger

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: Bandhan

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: Center for Agriculture and Rural Development (CARD) of the Philippines

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: Crédito con Educación Rural (CRECER)

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: Association pour la Promotion et l’ Appui au Développement de MicroEntreprises (PADME)

MicroCapital’s Microfinance Universe profile: Réseau des Caisses Populaires du Burkina (RCPB)

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