Event Date: February 10 – February 16, 2012

Event Location:
Laemmle’s Noho 7, 5240 Lankershim Boulevard, North Hollywood, California 91601 USA
The Quad 34, West 13th Street, New York, New York 10013 USA

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

Cost:
Tickets cost USD 11, with a rate of USD 8 available to those aged under 12 or over 61.

Summary of Event: Bonsai People is a 79-minute documentary on Dr Muhammad Yunus and his work in microcredit and social business. The movie was directed by independent filmmaker Holly Mosher and was released in 2010. Dr Yunus founded microfinance institution Grameen Bank in Bangladesh in 1976.

Event Websites:

Laemmle Noho 7: http://www.laemmle.com/viewmovie.php?mid=7807

The Quad: http://www.quadcinema.com/coming-soon/

For additional information you may email Tamra Raven, Distribution Consultant for Bonsai People at bonsaimovie[at]yahoo.com. You may reach Laemmle Noho 7 by telephone at +1 310 478 1041 or The Quad at +1 212 255 2243.

Submit your event at: http://microfinanceassociation.ning.com/events

By Charlotte Newman, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

Information sent to MicroCapital by Bonsai Movie

Bonsai Movie: http://www.bonsaimovie.com

MicroCapital.org story, December 14, 2010, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Dr Muhammad Yunus, Founder of Grameen Bank and Winner of Nobel Peace Prize for Work in Microfinance, Cleared of Allegations of Illegal Money Transfer to Grameen Kalyan,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-dr-muhammad-yunus-founder-of-grameen-bank-and-winner-of-nobel-peace-prize-for-work-in-microfinance-cleared-of-allegations-of-illegal-money-transfer-to-grameen-kalyan/

MicroCapital.org story, October 13, 2010, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Trickle Up, Provider of Grants, Microfinance, Training, Announces Release of Documentary Film ‘The Test of Poverty,’” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-trickle-up-provider-of-grants-microfinance-training-announces-release-of-documentary-film-the-test-of-poverty/

MicroCapital.org story, October 17, 2011, “FROM NEXT BILLION: David Satterthwaite on ‘This World Food Day, Making it America’s Last Famine,’” http://www.microcapital.org/from-next-billion-david-satterthwaite-on-this-world-food-day-making-it-africas-last-famine/

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

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

In other news, the Indian government reportedly has drafted a plan to utilize India’s 155,000 post offices as banks, in an effort to support financial inclusion goals. A proposal has been sent to the finance ministry for approval and is expected to be implemented within the year. The proposal has the potential to significantly increase the coverage of the country’s banking network, particularly in the rural areas where 90 percent of post office branches are located [4]. The plan will add banking services such as loans and cheque facilities to India Post’s existing services, which include savings schemes which have reached a total outstanding balance of about INR 600,000 crore (USD 117 billion) [5].

By Kristha Abores, Research Associate

About Reserve Bank of India (RBI):

Established in 1935, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) undertakes consolidated supervision of the financial sector comprising commercial banks, financial institutions and non-banking finance companies (NFBCs). The current focus of RBI is to supervise financial institutions, consolidate accounting standards, resolve legal issues in cases of banking fraud, monitor non-performing assets and supervise the rating model for the banking sector. In 1979, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) was formed at the behest of RBI to provide regulatory oversight to regional rural banks (RRBs) and to promote the development of agricultural lenders: tasks that had been the responsibility of RBI. While all microfinance institutions (MFIs) and non-banking financial companies still operate under RBI regulations, the responsibility for inspecting nonprofit MFIs, agricultural lenders, RRBs, state cooperative banks, district central cooperative banks and state cooperative agricultural and rural development banks was transferred to NABARD. RBI maintains these responsibilities for for-profit MFIs. Although RBI was originally the parent organization of NABARD and until October 2010 held a 72.5 percent stake in the outfit, RBI owns a one-percent stake in NABARD as of 2011.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] LiveMint:  “Finance ministry clears proposed national microfinance law,” http://www.livemint.com/2012/01/22225124/Finance-ministry-clears-propos….

[2] Business Today: “Budget 2012-13: Govt may introduce microfinance Bill,” http://businesstoday.intoday.in/story/budget-2012-13-microfinance-bill/1…

[3] MicroCapital Article, August 15, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Indian Government Publishes Draft of Microfinance Institutions Bill, Would Make Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Sole Regulator, Establish Microfinance Development Council, Microfinance Development Fund,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-indian-government-publish…

[4] The Economic Times: “Eyes set on Post Office banks and liberalisation of sector,” http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2012-01-03/news/30584829_1_…

[5] The Hindu Business Line: “Banking on India Post,” http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/opinion/editorial/article2863226.ece

MicroCapital.org article, October 25, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Indian Finance Ministry Proposes Microfinance Bill Allowing Deposit-Taking, Reserve Bank of India Opposed,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-indian-finance-ministry-p…

MicroCapital.org article, June 11, 2011: “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: New Draft Bill From Ministry of Finance Would Expand Role of Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to Regulate Entire Indian Microfinance Sector, Cutting Roles of NABARD, State Governments”, http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-new-draft-bill-from-minis…

MicroCapital.org article, March 15, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Federal Microfinance Bill May Replace Existing State Microfinance Legislation in India,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-federal-microfinance-bill…

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Reserve Bank of India (RBI), http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Res…

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

The Transparent Pricing Intiative is part of a larger MFTransparency project funded by Canada’s MasterCard Foundation and known as the enabling Africa to Price Responsibly & Educate on Interest Rates (enabling APR & EIR) program [1] [2]. Since 2010, the project has endeavored to improve the microloan markets in Malawi, Uganda, Rwanda, South Africa, Ghana, Tanzania, Zambia and Mozambique by publishing comparable data on the interest and fees charged on microfinance loans. Additionally the program includes training seminars, technical assistance and the production of educational materials. As of January 2012, MFTransparency has collected data from about 30 countries on four continents, including 16 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa [1].

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

About MFTransparency: MFTransparency is a US-based nongovernmental organization (NGO) that was launched in July 2008 to provide information on microcredit products and their prices. MFTransparency collects data on the interest and fees charged on microfinance loan products in order to calculate and publicize the effective interest rates charged on those loans. According to its website, 889 industry stakeholders have endorsed its efforts as of 2011. As of January 2012, MFTransparency has collected data from about 30 countries on four continents, including 16 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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 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.

Sources and Resources:

[1] MFTransparency Press Release, “Launch of Mozambique Pricing Data by MFTransparency.”

[2] Enabling Africa to Price Responsibly & Educate on Interest Rates, http://www.mftransparency.org/pages/enabling-africa-to-price-responsibly-educate-on-interest-rates/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Releases Microloan Pricing Data for Ghana, Zambia, Tanzania
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-releases-microloan-pricing-data-for-ghana-zambia-tanzania/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Releases Microloan Pricing Report on Ethiopia’s Microfinance Industry
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-releases-microloan-pricing-report-on-ethiopias-microfinance-industry/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: Ethiopia’s Wasasa Microfinance, Poverty Eradication and Community Empowerment (PEACE), Metemamen, Harbu, Digaf Microfinance Submit Pricing Data to MFTransparency
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-ethiopia%E2%80%99s-wasasa-microfinance-poverty-eradication-and-community-empowerment-peace-metemamen-harbu-digaf-microfinance-submit-pricing-data-to-mftransparency/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency, Association of Ethiopian Microfinance Institutions (AEMFI) to Launch “Transparent Pricing Initiative in Ethiopia” with Funding from MicroNed
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-association-of-ethiopian-microfinance-institutions-aemfi-to-launch-%E2%80%9Ctransparent-pricing-initiative-in-ethiopia%E2%80%9D-with-funding-from-microned/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency, Mozambican Association of Microfinance Operators (AMOMIF) Launch Transparent Pricing Initiative in Mozambique
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-mozambican-association-of-microfinance-operators-amomif-launch-transparent-pricing-initiative-in-mozambique/

MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: MFTransparency Announces First Microfinance Data Submissions for Ghana Transparent Pricing Initiative
http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-mftransparency-announces-first-microfinance-data-submissions-for-ghana-transparent-pricing-initiative/

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

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

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

Using data from Afghanistan’s “National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment 2007/8”, this scorecard estimates the probability that a household has expenditures below the poverty line using ten indicators that field agents can quickly collect and verify.

“Information Systems: A Practical Guide to Implementing Microfinance Information Systems” by Lauren Braniff and Xavier Faz; published by CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor); January 2012; 88 pages; available at http://www.cgap.org/gm/document-1.9.56237/TG_Information_Systems.pdf

This paper is technical guide that offers templates and tools to guide users through selecting and implementing management information systems.

“Improving Client Value From Microinsurance: Insights From India, Kenya, and the Philippines” by Michal Matul, Clemence Tatin-Jaleran and Eamon Kelly; published by International Labour Organization; September 2011; 49 pages; available at http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/mifacility/download/mpaper12_clientvalue.pdf?utm_source=EI29&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=EI

This paper analyses 15 microinsurance schemes using the International Labor Organization’s client value assessment tool, which is called PACE, based on its consideration of product, access, cost and experience. The PACE tool is intended to facilitate comparisons of the added value for clients among various insurance products and alternative means of protection such as informal risk-sharing practices.

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

“A Simple Poverty Scorecard for Afghanistan” http://www.microfinance.com/#Afghanistan

“Information Systems: A Practical Guide to Implementing Microfinance Information Systems” http://www.cgap.org/gm/document-1.9.56237/TG_Information_Systems.pdf

“Improving Client Value From Microinsurance: Insights From India, Kenya, And The Philippines” http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/mifacility/download/mpaper12_clientvalue.pdf?utm_source=EI29&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=EI

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/

In 2010, DemirBank had a gross loan portfolio of USD 324 million and 34,501 active borrowers. As of September 2011, responsAbility reported total assets under management of approximately USD 1 billion. As of June 2011, MEF reported total assets of USD 163 million and a microfinance investment portfolio of USD 130 million.

About DemirBank
DemirBank, a commercial bank in Azerbaijan, was established as Azjeldorbank in 1989 under license of the USSR State Bank. In 2005, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) became a shareholder of DemirBank, and as of 2010 EBRD holds 25 percent of its stock. For 2010, DemirBank reported to the US-based nonprofit Microfinance Information Exchange (MIX) total assets of USD 418 million, a gross loan portfolio of USD 324 million, approximately 34,500 borrowers, return on assets (ROA) of 1.10 percent and return on equity (ROE) of 7.55 percent.

About responsAbility
Founded in 2003, responsAbility Social Investments AG is a Swiss investment company whose products aim to enable investors to earn a financial return while assisting people in emerging markets to access information and markets in sectors such as microfinance, small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) financing, fair trade and independent media. As of September 2011, responsAbility reported total assets under management of approximately USD 1 billion. responsAbility is backed by Swiss financial institutions and a social venture capital company as founders and shareholders including Baumann & Cie, Banquiers, Credit Suisse, Raiffeisen Schweiz, Swiss Re, Bank Vontobel AG as well as George Avenue.

About Microfinance Enhancement Facility
Created in February 2009 by International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private investment arm of the World Bank Group, and the German development bank KfW Entwicklungsbank (KfW), the Microfinance Enhancement Facility (MEF) was designed to support the growth of microfinance institutions by providing them with refinancing liquidity. Co-managed by BlueOrchard Finance SA, Cyrano Management SA and responsibility Social Investments AG, the fund has a target size of USD 500 million. As of June 2011, MEF reported total assets of USD 163 million and a microfinance investment portfolio of USD 130 million.

By Charlotte Newman, Research Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

Trend: “Azerbaijani Bank Draws Microfinance Enhancement Facility Loan,” http://en.trend.az/capital/business/1986857.html

MicroCapital.org story, July 14, 2011, “MICROCAPITAL BRIEF: responsAbility Loans $24m to Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) Inecobank, Agricultural Cooperative Bank of Armenia (ACBA), ACBA Leasing all of Armenia; Demirbank of Azerbaijan; Sekerbank of Turkey,” http://www.microcapital.org/microcapital-brief-responsability-loans-24m-to-microfinance-institutions-mfis-inecobank-agricultural-cooperative-bank-of-armenia-acba-acba-leasing-all-of-armenia-demirbank-of-azerbaijan-seke/

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

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

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Microfinance Enhancement Facility
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Microfinance+Enhancement+Facility+%28MEF%29

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

This paper reviews the roles of development finance institutions (DFIs) and private lenders in funding microfinance institutions (MFIs). While DFIs are expected to pave the way for private funders to support MFIs as the industry matures, “Role Reversal,” a 2007 report published by MicroRate indicates that this is not the case. The 2007 paper observed that DFI lending was heavily concentrated towards the most creditworthy MFIs, leaving investment in smaller or riskier MFIs to private microfinance funds. This new report re-examines the situation and finds that MFIs with easy access to private funding still make up a significant portion of DFI lending.

“A Business Case for Microinsurance: An Analysis of the Profitability Of Microinsurance for Five Insurance Companies,” Janice Angove and Nashelo Tande, published by the Microinsurance Innovation Facility, July 2011, 55 pages, available athttp://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/mifacility/download/mp11bus…

This paper analyses the profitability of microinsurance through case studies of five insurers that operate in low-income markets in Kenya, South Africa, India, Guatemala and the Philippines. The authors utilize a framework based on three main drivers of profitability: generating sufficient income by reaching scale, managing claims costs and managing acquisition and administration costs. The findings indicate that products with simple life benefits can be profitable. Working with partners can also be beneficial for insurers, both in managing distribution and administration costs as well as in providing customers value beyond the cover provided by the insurance policies.

“Trends in Cross-Border Funding,” by Barbara Gähwiler and Alice Nègre, published by CGAP (Consultative Group to Assist the Poor), December 2011, 4 pages, available athttp://www.cgap.org/gm/document-1.9.55998/Brief_Cross-BorderFunding.pdf

This paper describes global trends in microfinance funding between 2007 and 2010 based on data from the annual CGAP Funder Survey of cross-border funders. The findings show that the amount of new commitments increased from USD 2.9 billion in 2009 to USD 3.6 billion in 2010. The study also shows the increased use of microfinance investment vehicles (MIVs) and other intermediaries in channelling investments. While debt remains the primary instrument used by funders, equity investments have increased, with the share of equity funding in total commitments at 13 percent in 2010, up from 9 percent in 2008.

By Kristha Abores, Reseach Associate

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] “Role Reversal Revisited,” http://microrate.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Role-Reversal-Revisited-…

[2] “A Business Case For Microinsurance: An Analysis Of The Profitability Of Microinsurance For Five Insurance Companies,”http://www.ilo.org/public/english/employment/mifacility/download/mp11bus…

[3] “Trends in Cross-Border Funding,” http://www.cgap.org/gm/document-1.9.55998/Brief_Cross-BorderFunding.pdf

“Cross-border Funding (2011),” http://www.cgap.org/p/site/c/template.rc/1.11.45737/1.26.17576/

“CGAP Cross?border Funder Survey 2011,” http://www.cgap.org/gm/document-1.9.55343/Funder_Survey_2011_Results_Table_Rev.pdf

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/

FinED Fiji aims to integrate financial education material into current courses, as well as train teachers to teach the new curriculum. The program is operating in partnership with the nonprofit Pacific Financial Inclusion Program, Fiji’s Ministry of Education, and it is financed by a donation of FJD 2.3 million (USD 1.2 million) from the Australian government [1].

By Natalie Baer, Research Associate

About the Pacific Financial Inclusion Program (PFIP): The nonprofit Pacific Financial Inclusion Program (PFIP) aims to deliver financial services to poor Pacific islanders who have limited or no access to banks. It was established with funding from the United Nations Capital Development Fund, the European Union and the United Nations Development Programme. Financial data on the organization is not available.

Sources and Additional Resources:

[1] “Financial education, a first for Fiji,” http://www.fijitimes.com/story.aspx?id=191776

[2] Pacific Financial Inclusion Program, “Fiji Financial Education Curriculum Development Project Launch 2011,”
http://www.pfip.org/media-centre/photo-gallery/fiji-financial-education-curriculum-development-project-launch-2011.html

MicroCapital Universe Profile: Pacific Financial Inclusion Program (PFIP),
http://www.microcapital.org/microfinanceuniverse/tiki-index.php?page=Pacific+Financial+Inclusion+Program+%28PFIP%29

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